CA1077209A - Tilted axle caster - Google Patents
Tilted axle casterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1077209A CA1077209A CA306,557A CA306557A CA1077209A CA 1077209 A CA1077209 A CA 1077209A CA 306557 A CA306557 A CA 306557A CA 1077209 A CA1077209 A CA 1077209A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- body frame
- axle
- wheel
- caster
- set forth
- 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0047—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle
- B60B33/0052—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle the rolling axle being inclined
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
- Legs For Furniture In General (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
- Casters (AREA)
Abstract
TILTED AXLE CASTER
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
An enclosed axle, inclined wheel caster including a generally disc like pivot support, or body frame member, which may be flat or dished, carrying an axle and a supporting wheel member rotatably mounted on the axle, both of such members being made from stampings, moulding or forgings and a cover formed of opposed saucers, or cupped members, or combinations of these forms, attached to each of the members to give the swivelable caster a generally enclosed form. As an alternative form of the invention, one or both the body frame member and the support-ing wheel member may be made as castings, or mouldings each having light weight opposed saucers, cupped, bulged or non-bulged truncated cone forms attached thereto to provide a covering for the body frame and axle of the completed caster.
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
An enclosed axle, inclined wheel caster including a generally disc like pivot support, or body frame member, which may be flat or dished, carrying an axle and a supporting wheel member rotatably mounted on the axle, both of such members being made from stampings, moulding or forgings and a cover formed of opposed saucers, or cupped members, or combinations of these forms, attached to each of the members to give the swivelable caster a generally enclosed form. As an alternative form of the invention, one or both the body frame member and the support-ing wheel member may be made as castings, or mouldings each having light weight opposed saucers, cupped, bulged or non-bulged truncated cone forms attached thereto to provide a covering for the body frame and axle of the completed caster.
Description
1077~()9 .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior casters have Drovidea arrangements where a suppcrting wheel, or floor engaging element is rota-tably mounted on an inclined axle offset from a vertical "' .
pivot axle about which the caster swivels. In such designs the caster consisted of a pair of complemental hemis-pherical, opposed casting sections to form a generally ; enclosed hollow shell wherein one of the casting sections was relativel~ fixed on the vertical pivot and the other casting section constituted the rotatable wheel, or floor engaging roller. Tilted axle casters of this general type permit the hollow shell to swivel about the vertical axle. However, the enclosing sections have always been made up of castings and while they have been made from die castings they necessarily were relatively heavy and con-sequently costlY, both from the stand~oint of the casting pro-cesses involved and the necessity for sufficient strength in the completed caster to support the relatively heavy loads which the casters were adapted to carry. The amount of material in such casters has become burdensome from a cost standpoint with the constantly increasing cost of materials ... . .
and as a consequence competitive advantases of casters of superior design are on the verge of being lost to compe-:`
; titive casters and particularly with the advent of the expiration of basic U.S. patents, from foreign competi-tion where oroducers are able, with lower labor and material costs to furnish a proven caster structure from an expired U.S. patent and thus provide ~ sood caster of 1~7~0~?
fully developed design without having any of the development costs ordinarily entailed in the production of a caster of competitive quality. Such cas~ers can be sold ~or less than the price of a domestic product which has been developed and produced on the basis of all normal costs included in the marketing price of the caster. Consequently, it has become necessary to reduce the costs involved in producing a caster of new and improved design and representing a suitable structure able to compete on the basis of price as well as quality.
According to the present invention there is provided a caster assembly having two basic parts including a body frame and a separate wheel rotatable relative to the body frame, the body frame having a vertical swivel tube rigidly associated with the body frame. A canted axle is fixedly mounted on the body frame, and a thin gauge hollow shell encloses one side of the body frame and the swivel tube.
The shell extends over the peripheral edge of the body frame at least in part to secure the shell to the body frame. The wheel is rotatably mounted on the axle and has a tread portion overlying the shell extending over the peripheral edge of the body frame. A thin gauge hollow shell encloses the open side of the wheel and is secured to a rim portion of the wheel.
The present invention provides a caster wherein the manufacturing costs can be reduced both by taking weight and material out of the structure and by providing an enclosed axle tilted wheel caster design capable of efficient manufacture. This has been accomplished primarily by re-designing the caster structure to provide basically twooperating parts comprising a circular like body frame in the form of a dished or flat, corrugated or ribbed member carrying
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior casters have Drovidea arrangements where a suppcrting wheel, or floor engaging element is rota-tably mounted on an inclined axle offset from a vertical "' .
pivot axle about which the caster swivels. In such designs the caster consisted of a pair of complemental hemis-pherical, opposed casting sections to form a generally ; enclosed hollow shell wherein one of the casting sections was relativel~ fixed on the vertical pivot and the other casting section constituted the rotatable wheel, or floor engaging roller. Tilted axle casters of this general type permit the hollow shell to swivel about the vertical axle. However, the enclosing sections have always been made up of castings and while they have been made from die castings they necessarily were relatively heavy and con-sequently costlY, both from the stand~oint of the casting pro-cesses involved and the necessity for sufficient strength in the completed caster to support the relatively heavy loads which the casters were adapted to carry. The amount of material in such casters has become burdensome from a cost standpoint with the constantly increasing cost of materials ... . .
and as a consequence competitive advantases of casters of superior design are on the verge of being lost to compe-:`
; titive casters and particularly with the advent of the expiration of basic U.S. patents, from foreign competi-tion where oroducers are able, with lower labor and material costs to furnish a proven caster structure from an expired U.S. patent and thus provide ~ sood caster of 1~7~0~?
fully developed design without having any of the development costs ordinarily entailed in the production of a caster of competitive quality. Such cas~ers can be sold ~or less than the price of a domestic product which has been developed and produced on the basis of all normal costs included in the marketing price of the caster. Consequently, it has become necessary to reduce the costs involved in producing a caster of new and improved design and representing a suitable structure able to compete on the basis of price as well as quality.
According to the present invention there is provided a caster assembly having two basic parts including a body frame and a separate wheel rotatable relative to the body frame, the body frame having a vertical swivel tube rigidly associated with the body frame. A canted axle is fixedly mounted on the body frame, and a thin gauge hollow shell encloses one side of the body frame and the swivel tube.
The shell extends over the peripheral edge of the body frame at least in part to secure the shell to the body frame. The wheel is rotatably mounted on the axle and has a tread portion overlying the shell extending over the peripheral edge of the body frame. A thin gauge hollow shell encloses the open side of the wheel and is secured to a rim portion of the wheel.
The present invention provides a caster wherein the manufacturing costs can be reduced both by taking weight and material out of the structure and by providing an enclosed axle tilted wheel caster design capable of efficient manufacture. This has been accomplished primarily by re-designing the caster structure to provide basically twooperating parts comprising a circular like body frame in the form of a dished or flat, corrugated or ribbed member carrying
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, 10'77Z~9 a provision for swiveling and an axle and a separate wheel for rotation on the axle. The body frame and the wheel can each be enclosed by a cover, of lightweight construction, secured thereto and which in the assembled caster gives the completed assembly a generally attractive form. An important improvement in the new design is realized from the fabrication of the body frame and the wheel from lightweight metal stampings or mouldings and the fabrication of the enclosing covers from thin gauge metal such as aluminum, steel, or plastic, whereby further to lighten the weight of the caster assembly. These parts can be made from other materials which may be suitable for the purpose. Presently it has been found that the metal stampings lend the desired effect most readily, giving the caster assembly the desired strength while re-ducing the weight of the material used and thereby the cost ; and are easily fabricated. A lightweight version of the j ;, invention with at least certain of the parts fabricated from precision castings, affords realization of certain ad-vantages of the inventive concept and incorporates basic principles thereof by the inclusion of a cast body frame carrying the swivel and the axle and having a wheel of fabricated or cast design rotatably mounted on the axle.
Thin gauge metal covers of lightweight and any desired shape are secured on the body frame and wheel respectively to give an overall generally enclosed form to the caster assembly.
The primary purpose of the invention is to provide a caster of low cost design, having lightweight, fabricated from parts affording required strength properties and having enclosing covers which give the caster assembly an overall generally enclosed form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other and more specific objects ..~
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~077209 of the invention are attained by the structure and arrangement of the caster assembly illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein ~.
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. - ~ , 1077'~09 Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a fully assembled caster according to this invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the caster assembly showing the body frame with attached swivel stem parts, the axle mounted wheel and the covers secured to both;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the caster taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
- Figures4 and 5 are detail horizontal sectional views taken on the lines 4-4 and 5-5 respectively of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a sectional view through a caster of modified form;
Figure 7 is a general vertical sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6 ~ Figure 8 is a detail horizontal view taken on the .~ line 8-8 of Figure 7;
. Figure 9 is a detail view of the swivel tube structure : of the type used with the caster of Figure 6;
Figure 10 illustrates a modified form of body frame with integrally attached swivel tubei Figure 11 is an elevational view of the body frame from the plane 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a horizontal detail sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Figure 11 showing the integral structure of the swivel tube with the body frame;
Figure 13 is a detail hori~ontal sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of Figure lli Figure 14 is a perspective view of the body frame . and integral swivel tube of Figures 10 and 11;
. Figure 15 is a generally vertical sectional view .~ 30 of a further modified form of the.invention where the body frame and swivel structure as well as the axle mounted wheel are constructed from precision castings and each with . a separately attached cover;
-,6 ' 11)77Z09 Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a detail view of the cast body frame;
Figure 18 is an elevational view of the body frame showing the opposite face thereof from that shown in Figure 16;
Figure 19 is a general cross sectional view of a fully assembled caster having a body frame member which comprises a centrally dished, generally circular plate and a wheel fabricated from two parts including a rim and an enclosed hub;
Figure 20 is an elevational view of the generally circular dished plate body member having an integrally formed swivel tube shown from the side facing the wheel;
Figure 21 also is an elevational view of the dished plate viewed from an edge of plate and showing the . . angularity of the swivel tube relative to the plate and an enclosed socket for a fixed axle;
Figure 22 is a top view of the dished plate, enclosed axle socket and swivel tube;
Figure 23 is an elevational view similar to Figure 20 showing a modified form of the body frame member having ; a separately formed swivel tube rigidly secured to the circular plate;
Figure 24 is a top view of the body frame and swivel tube structure shown in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 21 showing an edge view of the dished plate and swivel.tube structure illustrated in Figures 23 and 24;
Figure 26 is a general sectional view of another ~ 30 , form of the invention utilizing a precision cast body frame : member;
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, ~077Z09 Figure 27 is an elevational view, ~artly in section, taken on the line 27-27 of Figure 26 showing the skeleton-ized structure of the body frame member and integral swiveL
tube;
Figure 28 is an edge view of the body frame member illustrated in Figure 27 showing the integral swivel tube and an integral socket for a fixed axle;
Figure 29 is a top view of the precision cast body frame member of Figures 26, 27 and 28;
Figure 30 i5 a front elevational view of the two part wheel structure with the decorative cover removed showing the rim member and the enclosed hub member; and Figure 31 is a cross sectional view through a wheel assembly having an outwardly projecting annular flange, or inner rim mem~er, for the attachment of a re-movable plastic cover.
DESCRIPTION OF FIRST E~qBODI~IENT
In the drawings, as shown in Figures 1 through 5, a generally enclosed form of caster assembly 10 is shown as being comprised of stamped metal parts including a body frame 11 which,in this form, is of a generally flat, or pan-cake-like configuration, a rotata~le wheel 12 and light - weight metal covers 13 and 14 secured on the body frame and wheel respectively. These covers, as shown here, are secured to the body plate and wheel by crimping the edge of the respective covers over the edge of the body frame, as at 15, and over the edge of the wheel, as at 16. The-body frame - 11 is disc-like with a centrally disposed inwardly turned ; collar, or boss 17, in which an axle member 18 is fixedly mounted. The body frame 11 is disposed at an angle to the ,~_ -. .
~ . . ' ' ' .
1~77'~09 vertical and the axle 18 is perpendicular thereto so that the axle is canted, as best shown in Figure 2.
The wheel 12 turns on the axle in this position and rotates in a olane perpendicular thereto but the tread 19 of the wheel and the overlying cover portion, is shaped and dis-posed to engage a supoorting surface, or floor, in a normally rolling flatwise engagement. The axle 18 is prevented from turning in the boss 17 by a press fit, knurling, or serrations 20 engaging the inner periphery of the boss and is provided with an inner head 21 ~Ihich positions the axle in the boss 17. The wheel 12 is held on the axle by a washer 22 which may be of a suitable plastic, or metal bearing material and a lock washer 23. Ihe wheel 12 is provided with a central bearing 24 within the central ~ournal 25 and this bearing also is of a suitable plastic, or metal bearing material, as is the thrust bearing washer 26 at the inner side of the wheel bearing against the body frame 11.
The body frame 11 mounts a swivel stem structure on a vertical axis and in this form of the invention the swivel tube structure 27 is secured to the body frame 11 as a separ-ately formed element comprised of a support bracket 28 and the swivel tube 29, which is adapted to receive the stem 30 for the caster. The support bracket 28 includes a generally tubular socket 31 for the swivel tube 29 and flat portion ;~ 32. The flat portion is of double thickness and the socket 31 is formed integrally by wrapping the bracket around a suit-able shape, or die, to form the socket. The socket is formed with a tapered portion 33 which conforms with a similarly tapered portion on the ~ube 29. The swivel tube 29 extends through the socket 31, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, and seats on a shelf 34 formed integrally with the frame 11. The ' ~,g~
., , shelf 34 is formed with an uostanding embossment 35 about which the tube 29 fits and is seated. The flat portions of the support bracket are formed with an inwardly directed collar structure 36 adapted to fit over the central collar 17 on the body frame 11, which serves to position and rigidify the bracket on the body frame.
It will be noted that the tubular socket and swivel tube portions of the support bracket are disposed at least partially upon both sides of the plane of the body frame, forwhich purpose the body frame is provided with cut-out area 37 so that the socket 31 and tub2 29 can extend through the body frame 11 at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the body frame from the vertical. The flat portion 32 of the ~racket structure 28 is disposed in contiguous rela-tion to the adjoining surface of the body frame 11 and is rigidly secured thereto by clamping brackets 38, struck out of the bracket extension 32 to hold the bracket 28 in tight engagement with the body frame. This attachment together with the collar structure 36 engaged around the body frame central collar 17 securely positions and maintains the fixed relationship of the entire bracket structure with the body frame. If desired, the bracket structure 17 can be integrated with the body frame by welding, brazing or riveting.
The body frame 11 and thewheel 12 are both formed from metal of similar thickness while the enclosing covers 13 and 14 are formed from thin gauge light weight metal such as aluminum, thin gauge steel, or the like. The body frame and wheel must be of sufficient strength to suDport the loads imposed but the covers are not subjected to any undue stress and therefore can be applied as purely ornamental. The cover ~ 13 is perforated, as at 39, for passage of the tube 29 there-~Q77Z09 through, as best shown in Figure 1. The cover 14 is closely conformed to the tread 19 of the wheel 12, as best shown in Figure 2, but since this area of the cover is immediately backed up by the wheel tread 19 no undue forces are required to be supported by the cover. The tread 19 of the wheel 19 and the central journal 25, which forms the hub of the wheel, are integrally connected by web plate 40 which is disposed generally in the outer plane of the wheel and is connected with the central hub portion 25 at the inner side of the wheel by a sloping web portion ~1. The tread 19, central hub 25 , and intervening web portions 40 and 41 are formed during a stamping operation. The web of the wheel may be reinforced, or stiffened, at regularly spaced intervals around the wheel by means of corrugations 43, if desired or considered necessary.
! The stem 30 is secured to a mounting plate 42 which secures the caster on an item of furniture, or the like.
The stem 30 swivels in the tube 29 and may be secured therein against inadvertent withdrawal in any suitable manner, as desired. The tube 29 is rigid with the socket 31 and may be integrally secured thereto by welding, brazing or in any preferred manner.
MODIFIED FO~ OF THE INVENTION
.
In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 through 9, the body frame 11 and wheel 12 are fabricated from metal stampings, as before, and the support bracket j structure 27 is also separately formed and secured to the face i of the body frame. The thin gauge light weight enclosing covers ,; .
¦ 13 and 14 are secured to the body frame and wheel respectively, in similar manner, with the cover 13 crimped over the edge of :. --~_ ' : . :
1~7720~
the body frame, as at 15 and the cover 14 crimped over the edge of the wheel, as at 16. The body frame 11 is disposed at an angle to the vertical and the axle 18 therefore is canted and disposes the wheel 1~ for rotation in a plane parallel to the body frame. The body frame in this form also is flat and disc-li];e and is provided with an inwardly directed central collar 17, through which the axle 18 extends.
The axle is fixed in the collar 17 by serrations, or a press fit as at 20, so that it cannot rotate relative to the collar and is provided with a head 21 which fixes the position of the axle in the collar 17.
The support bracket structure 27 is formed with a flat plate portion 45, having a central collar 45 extending inwardly therefrom and surrounding the central collar 17 projecting inwardly from the body frame 11. The flat plate portion 45 is disposed in surface engagement with the face of the body frame and can be rigidly secured thereto, as by welds 47, or by other means, if preferred. The relative ' position of the plate portion 45 on the face of the body frame is fixed by a shoulder piece 48 struck out of the body frame 11 and projecting into a recess 49 in an edge plate 45. The plate 45 is provided with a socket structure 50 integral therewith and which is disposed vertically so that it is dis-posed at an angle to the integral plate portion 45. A sloping plate portion 51 connects the socket 50 with the flat plate at the angle defined by the vertical disposition of the socket and the angled position of the plate 45 on the body frame.
The tubular socket 50 is seated on a shoulder 52 formed integral with and bent from the body frame 11 to a horizontal position underlying the bottom end of the socket (see Figure 6). The socket may be secured to the shelf I( .
lQ772~g formed by the shoulder 52 by welding or brazing, if de~ired.
As in the previous form of the invention ~he tubular socket 50 extends at least partially through the bod~ frame 11 at an angle corresponding with the canted position of the body frame from the vertical. The socket 50, as described, is integral with the sloping plate portion 51 and the flat plate portion 45 and is formed by rolling the metal about a suitable form, or die, or the proper diameter and having thetapered area 53 in the final form of the tuhe. The upper end of the tubular socket 50 is provided with a separately formed collar peice 54 secured thereto, as by welding, or brazing. The caster stem 30 fits into the socket through the collar piece 54 and the mounting plate, or bracket 42, is secured to the stem. As in the previous form, the body frame 11 is provided with a cut-out area 37 for the passage of the tubular socket 50, whereby the socket structure can be disposed in a position extending upon opposite sides of the body frame.
The wheel 12 rotates on the axle 18 and includes a central hub 55 extending inwardly from a web portion 56 disposed in the outer plane of the wheel and which integrally connects the hub with the tread portion 19 of the wheel. The hub 55 is fitted with an internal bushing of plastic, bronze, sintered metal, or other suitable bearing material 24 and a thrust bearing washer 26 of similar material is disposed at the inner side of the wheel between the bearing areas of the inner end of the hub 55 and adjacent surface of the body frame 11. A washer 22, of suitable bearing material, is disposed on the axle at the outer face of the wheel and secured by a lock-ing washer 23. Stiffening corrugations 57 may be formed in the web 56 of the wheel at regularly spaced intervals around the wheel, if desired.
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107'7Z09 FURTHER MODIFIED FORM OF THE INVENTION
A concept illustrated in Figures 10 through 14 is directed to a modification in the design of the body plate 11 wherein the flat disc-like plate and associated swivel tube structure are of one piece construction with the swivel socket : integral with the body frame. As shown in Figure 10, the in-tegrally formed swivel socket 60 is disposed vertically and the body plate 61 occupies a position at an angle to the socket.
. As best shown in Figure 11, the body frame 61 lS cut out, as at 62, where the swivel socket 60 is formed and it will be seen that the swivel socket is formed by wrapping the metal in this area around a suitable die, or the like, to form the tubular section comprising the swivel socket, which is best :! illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.
PRECISION CAST VERSION OF THE INVENTION
The basic concept of the invention is followed in the caster arrangement shown in Figures 15 through 18, but the various caster parts take the form of precision castings in this design, although the enclosing covers giving the caster assembly its form continue as thin gauge, light weight aluminum, or steel shapes that are crimped, or snapped into place. The body frame casting 68 is canted at an angle to the vertical and the integrally cast swivel socket 69 is dis-posed vertically, with portions thereof disposed upon opposite sides of the sloping plane of the body frame 68, as best . indicated in Figures 15 and 18. An integral gusset 70 .`~ rigidifies and supports the bottom end area of the socket 69 where it is joined with the body frame 68 and as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 18, this cast socket member 69 is also .~ ~
provided with the tapered section 71. The upper end of the swivel socket is provided with an encircling collar 72 and , .
!,,1 ' --,1~4'--m77~0s the stem 30, pro jecting downwardly from the mounting plate 42 for the caster, is entered into the socket 69 through this collar.
Lntegrallv cast central collar 73 extends inwardly from the body frame 68 and provides a bearing for the canted axle 18 extending therethrough, with the head 21 on the axle acting as a stop against the inner end of the collar 73 to position the axle relative to the body frame and having serrations 20 on the axle to prevent its relative rotation in the collar. The cast wheel 74 rotates on the canted axle and therefore runs in an angular plane relative to the vertical, as dictated by the angle of the axle 18. The wheel is cast as one piece and includes a central hub with an integrally cast peripheral tread 77 which is formed to provide a supporting surface on the caster running sub-stantially flatwise relative to a supporting surface, or floor. The web 76 is disposed midway of the width of tread 77, as shown in Figure 15.
A central bearing 24 is mounted in the hub 75 and is made from a suitable plastic, bronze, or sintered metal material which affords a reduced friction running surface on the axle. A thrust bearing washer 26 is disposed .
between the inner face of the central hub 75 and the adjoining face of the body frame 68 and this thrust bearing is also made from a suitable bearing material affording a reduced frictional engagement between the wheel and the body frame. Washer 22 at the outer side of the wheel 74 is made from a similar material and a lock washer 23 secures the assembly and holds the wheel on the axle. The thin gauge light weight aluminum, or steel cover 78 on the wheel, fits into the inner periphery of the tread 77 and is adapted to be pressed, or snapped intb place, but the cover 13 is crimped over the edge of the body frame 68, as at 15, similarly to the manner of securing this cover on the other forms of casters hereinbefore described. An opening 79 in the cover 13 provides for the projection of the swivel socket 69 through the cover to receive the stem 30 for mounting the caster on an item of furniture, or other equipment, by means of the mounting plate 42.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
This embodiment of the invention incorporates a dished body frame member of generally circular plate-like form and a wheel member fabricated from separate parts secured together to form a rigid assembly. The generally circular body member comprises a dished plate 80 which is dished axially, as at 81, from the outer perimeter toward the center of the circular plate, as best revealed in Figures 20, 21 and 22. The dished portion 81 merges into a centrally disposed closed socket 82, which fixedly mounts cne end of an axle 83 pressed into the socket and fixed against rotation.
The dished circular plate body member incor-porates an integral swivel tube 84 to receive a stem ~5, ; by means of which tne caster is swivelly mounted on an article to be supported by one or more of such casters. A
bottom plate portion 86 extends under the lower end of the swivel tube 84 to act as a limit stop, or support, for the stem 85. The swivel tube includes a tapered portion 87 intermediate its top and bottom ends, which conforms ; with a similarl~ formed shoulder on the stem 85 to provide an effective supporting bearing between the stem and swivel tube. At its top end the swivel tube is formed with lS~
.
107 7ZOg a reinforcing collar 88 and the caster 85 extends into the swivel tube through this rigidifying top collar portion.
The integral swivel tube as in previous forms of integral construction, is constructed by forming, or rolling the metal about a suitable die of the proper diameter, incorporating the tapered shape for the bearing portion 87, whereby the integral tube is shaped and dis-posed at the proper angle relative to ~he body plate 80 such that, in the operative position of the caster, the swivel tube 84 and mounting stem 85 are disposed vertically.
The swivel socket being operable about a vertical axis in operation and disposed at an angle to the body plate 80, disposes the body plate 80 in a canted position with the axle 83 projecting outwardly at an angle to the horizontal, having its axis at ninety degrees (90) relative to the canted plane of the body plate.
The axle 83 is fixedly secured in the mounting socket 82 by a pressed fit, or it may include serrations so that, in either event, it is prevented from rotating in the socket relative to the body plate 80. Because of the canted position of the body plate the swivel tube structure 84 is disposed upon opposite sides of a plane represented by the face of the body plate so that the swivel tube extends at least partially throu~-h the body plate with its bottom end projecting beyond the ou~er plane of the plate and its-upper end~disposed at the inner side of the body plate.
i The axis 83 rotatively supports a wheel assembly ~j .
90, which is of similar construction in the several forms of the invention hereinafter to be described. The wheel assembly includes two separately formed members 91 and 92 comprising ~ a rim member and an outer hub member respectively. The .,, ,~ , :
`' ' member 91 has an outer annular rim 93 formed integrally with a central web 94 which is offset at 9S to dispose that ~ortion 94a of the web structure adjacent to the periphery of the wheel in a plane spaced outwardly from the plane of the central web portion 94 so that the rim 93 is generally centered over the central web 94. The central web 94 is formed with a flanged annular collar 96 comprising an inner hub for the wheel which cooperates in.the mounting of the wheel assembly on the axle 83.
The wheel member 92 has a web structure 97 disposed in face-to-face engagement with the web 94 and rigidly secured thereto by welding, as indicated at 98 in Figure 30. The web 97 is flanged outwardly about its ?eriphery, as at 99 and this outwardly extending annular flange underlies the outwardly offset 95 in the web 94. ~eb portion 97 merges with an outwardly extending hub 100, integrally formed with the web 97 and which is disposed coaxially with the inner hub 96.
The outer end of the hub 100 is closed as at 101 so that the end of the axle 83 is fully enclosed by the hub structure.
A bearing sleeve 102 extends into the combined hub structure . 96 and 100.
,1 The outer hub 100 has an inside diameter which is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the inner huh 96 so that the bearing sleeve has an outside diameter 103 where it fits into the outer hub 100 and an outside diameter 104 where it fits in the inner hub 96. The bearing sleeve has a cored , out recess 106 in its inner surface located in the area of i the change in outside diameters 103 and 104 of the sleeve. At j its inner end an outwardly extending flange 105 on the bearing sleeve 102 overlies the inner end of the hub 96 while the inner end of the sleeve terminates in the outer hub 100 short of the -- end of the axle 83.
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The axle 83 is assembled into the hub structure 96/100 of the wheel assembly 90 ~rior to the mounting of the axle in the body frame socket 82. The axle has a head 107 and as referred to above the bearing sleeve 102 at its inner end stops short of the shoulder formed by the axle head. The sleeve 102 is mounted on the axle 83 and the assembled axle and bearing sleeve are inserted into the hub structure 96/100 with the axle head 107 bearing against the inner face of the hub end closure 101 and the outstanding flange lOS overlying the inner end of the inner hub 96. The sleeve thus is disposed between the hub structure and the axle where it .; provides a bearing surface for the rotation of the t~heel 90 on the axle 83. ~ith the wheel and bearing sleeve mounted thereon, the axle 83 is then pressed into the socket 82 of . the dished body member 80 and the en~agement between the axle head 107 and the end closure 101 serves to facilitate the driving of the wheel and axle assembly into operative engage-ment with the socket. Thus, with the axle fixed against rotation in the body frame socket 82 the wheel will rotate ; 20 on the axle with the sleeve 102 forming a bearing between the wheel hub structure and the axle.
~ MODIFIED BO Y FRAME MEMBER
: Figures 23, 24 and 25 illustrate a modified con-. struction of the generally circular dished body frame plate 80 wherein the circular plate is of generally similar con-struction to that described in Figures 19-22 with the plate -. 80 being axially dished, as at 81., from the outer perimeter :~ portions of the plate inwardly toward the center where it .merges with the axle socket 82 having the enclosed end 101.
It should be pointed out that ~he axle socket 82 might be - formed integrally with the dished plate 80, either in the - . - . .
(g 107'7~09 form of the plate shown in Figures 19-22, or in the form of Figures 23-25.
The body frame member 80 of Figures 23-25 differs from the construction of this generally circular plate member as shown in Figures 19-22 in that a separate swivel tube member is provided that is rigidly secured to the body plate, preferably by welding. This body plate 80 cut away in the area of the swivel tube and is provided with an integral flange 110 that extends vertically in the operative position of the caster so that the body plate member 80 is canted in relation thereto (see Figure 25). This flange is provided for the attachment of a separate swivel tube structure 111, also disposed vertically and disposed at an angle to the body plate member corresponding with the relative angle of the flange 110 so that the generally circular body plate member 80 is canted relative to the swivel tube 111 in a manner similar to the previously described form of the body plate structure.
The separately formed swivel tube structure 111 is provided with a pair of integrally formed, vertically extending spaced apart flanges 112 which straddle the flange 110 on the body plate and afford a means of securing the swivel tube to the body plate 80. The flanges 112 sandwiched over the flange 110 are secured thereto as by welds 113 as best indicated in Figures 23 and 24. The swivel tu~e 111 is provided with a top reinforcing collar 114 surrounding the top end of the tube through which a mounting stem 116 is inserted and an intermediate tapered portion 115 affords an internal bearing seat for the stem. The body plate 80 at the position where it underlies the bottom end of the swivel tube 111 is formed to provide a limit stop, or support for the lower end of the stem 117. This limit stop is integral with the body plate q~ ~
. ~
1~77Z09 and is formed by bending over that portion of the body which extends under the swivel tube, as at 117 (see Figure 25 where this feature is ~est illustrated).
The swivel tube in this form of the invention occupies the same position and angularity relative to the circular body plate member 80 as in the previously described form and the wheel and axle assembly is mounted in the body plate structure in the identical manner and relationship so that the caster wheel 90 is adapted to rotate relative to this body frame member in the same manner as described for the assembly illustrated in Figure 19.
PRECISION CAST BODY FR~E M~BER
Figures 26, 27, 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein a precision cast, skele-tonized body frame member is utilized to mount the wheel instead of the dished circular plate of the previous forms of the invention. The same wheel structure is used with this body frame and therefore the same reference charact-ers have been used in Figure 26 for the wheel assembly as was used in describing the wheel structure of Figure 19 since the wheel assemblies are identical. The cast body frame 120 is not continuous around the entire circumference of the caster but is of a skeletonized open framework type of construction including two segments 121 and 122.
The segment 122 is of open construction as at 123 includes a rim portion 124 integrally connected with a cen-trally disposed axle socket 125 by ribs 126. The axle socket includes an integral enclosed end wall 127 whereby the mounted end of the axle 83 is fuIly enclosed within the . ,, ~ 30 socket where it is supported and held against rotation. The .
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axle, having the wheel structure assembled thereon, is pressed into the socket 125 and may be provided with serrations (not shown) further to prevent relative rotation. The axle 83 may be driven into the socket 125 and this operation is facilated by the contact engagement of theclosed hub end 101 with the axle head 107.
The segment 121 also includes a rim 128 connected with the axle socket structure 125 by intermediate body structure 129 including an integrally formed swivel tube 130. The structure connecting the rim 128 and socket structure 125 is quite substantial because the stresses involved in supporting and transferring the loads en-countered in actual use are very heavy and must be carried from the mounting stem 131 into the swivel tube structure 130 and into the axle socket 125 and thence to the wheel assembly rolling on a supporting surface. The forces in-volved therefore must be transferred between the swivel mounting adjacent to the rim of the body frame and the central axle hub so that the structure in this area of the body frame must be exceptional-ly strong whereas the segment 122 can be of relatively light construction inasmuch as it merely provides an attachment for a decorative cover more fully hereinafter to be described. As best indicated in Figures 28 and 29 the cast body frame structure 129 integrally connecting the axle socket 125 at the center of the body frame 120 with the outer segmental rim portion 128 is of strongly reinforced construction for transferring the stresses involved between these areas. As shown, the structure 129 is of heavy section with sufficient metal in the section to carry the forces encountered and as distinguished from the . .
;
10'77209 open framework of the segment 122 the structure 129 of segment 121 is of continuous closed construction, as best shown in Pigure 27. The axle socket 125 also is heavily ,. .
reinforced, as best indicated in-Figure 26, for the rigid mounting of the axle 83 therein.
The integral swivel tube structure 130 incor~orates its own battom closure, or limit stop, which comprises a bottom end wall 132 and like the previously described ; swivel tubes this cast structure includes an intermediate tapered portion 133 affording a seat for stem 131. It will be seen that this cast swivel tube 130 is also disposed vertically in the normal operating position of the caster and is disposed at ~; an angle to the operating plane of the body frame which there-fore is disposed in a canted position corresponding to the an-gularity of the swivel tube relative to the generally inclined ~ plane of the body frame, as best indicated in Figure 26.
;i Accordingly, the swivel tube structure extends upon both sides of the general plane of the segment 121 with the u~per main ~ body section disposed to a major extent on the inner side of ,j~ 20 the segment and the bottom end of the swivel tube extending ~;- at least partially through the plane of the segment to the outer side thereof. This is clearly shown in Figure 28 but is also indicated in Figure 29 and in Figure 27 as well.
~ODIFIED WHEEL STRUCTURE
~ The caster assembly illustrated in Figure 31 is of ,'~, . .
l slmllar construction to the caster assemblies heretofore i described but the wheel structure is modified in respect tothe outer wheel member 92. The outwardly extending annular flange S9 in this modified structure projects outwardly beyond .. , ~ . .
~" 30 the face of the web portion 94a and provided with a flared ': .
i~ lio 135 that is continuous ana extends entirely around the out-wardly extended flange. A cover 136 is provided for the outer . --,.~3--' ~077Z09 side of the wheel and this cover is centered on the ~heel by means of an inwardly directed socket 127 which fits over the closed hub 100 of the outer wheel member 92.
The cover 136 also includes an inwardly directed annular flange 138 which extends continuously entirely around the inside face of the cover and engages over the flared lip 135 on the flange 99 to secure the cover on the wheel by means of a snap-fit engagement of the flange 138 over the lip 135.
The cover 136 may be constructed of nonmetallic material such as a suitable impact resistance plastic and is shaped to form a portion of a sphere terminating at the face of the web portion 94a so that the edges thereof are spaced inwardly of the wheel rim 93 when the covered is installed on the projecting lip 135.
In this form of the wheel the rim 93 has direct contact with a supporting surface and rolls on such surface without the interposition of any part of the wheel cover.
The annular rim 93 and the web portion 94a of the wheel assembly may have a suitable plating applied thereto as a decorative feature, if desired, or the rim 93 may have a nonmetallic tread (not shown) applied therto, such as a suit-able plastic material, or a resilient tread material, for use of the caster on uncarpeted floors.
DECORATIVE_CO~ERS ON _~EEL AND BODY FR~lE
As best shown in Figures 19 and 26 the caster assemblies are provided with decorative metal covers which are of light weight thin gauge construction and are mounted respectively on the body frame members and on the wheel assembly to give the caster assemblies a generally spherical appearance. The covers are of similar construction in the form of caster shown in Figure 19 and in the form 2~
~_ ' ; ` .
shown in Figure 26. The body frame cover 140 is of generally hemispherical shape and in Figure 19 is crimped over the edge of the generally circular body plate 80 for attachment thereto while in Figure 26 this cover is crimped over the edge of the segmental rim portions 124 and 128 to provide the attachment and in the areas between the segments 121 and 122 the crimped over portion of the cover is omitted, as best revealed in Figure 27. However, in the form of the invention shown in Figure 26, the cover 140 may have a snap~
fit engagement with the segments 121 and 122, if preferred, and whereby the cover would be snapped onto the rim portions 124 and 128. The cover 140 is provided with an opening 141 for the passage of the swivel tube 111, or 130, as the case may be, so that the swivel tube is accessible for the mounting stem 116 or 131.
The cover 142 for the wheel assembly also is of generally hemispherical shape but includes an offset 143 lying flat against the web portion 94a of the wheel and extending between the rim portion 144 of the cover and the central spherical portion 145 covering the outer hub portion of the wheel assembly. The rim portion 144 lies in full sur-face engagement with the wheel rim 93 and rolls on the supporting surface fully backed up by the wheel rim so that even though the cover 142 is of light weight thin gauge metal, no damage can be in1icted on the cover flange 144 in the face of its structural support by the wheel rim.
The rim portion 144 of the wheel cover 142 is crimped over the inner edge of the wheel rim 93 and flanged under the rim, as at 146, whereby a positive attachment of the cover onto the wheel assembly is provided. Thus, the covers 140 and 142 fully enclose the caster assembly and provide a caster of attractive and generally spherical appearance.
,~-From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been provided a caster comprised of a generally circular body frame member which may be axially dished, or disc-like and aseparate wheel member which may be made from metal stampings, or at least one from pr~cision castings, which may be s~eletonized and each having a thin gauge, light weight cover attached thereto to provide a caster of generally enclosed form when the several parts are assembled. The body frame carries a fixed axle which is canted at an angle : 10 such that the wheel rotates thereon in a plane at an angle to the vertical and a vertically disposed swivel socket, also on the body plate, provides for connection of the caster assembly to an article of furniture, or equi~ment.
By the construction of this design a caster of light weight has been provided wherein the manufacturing costs have been substantially reduced and wherein the caster is of suitable design for efficient manufacture whereby to afford a com-pleted caster assembly capable of competing with other caster arrangements on the basis of cost, or light weight.
, 10'77Z~9 a provision for swiveling and an axle and a separate wheel for rotation on the axle. The body frame and the wheel can each be enclosed by a cover, of lightweight construction, secured thereto and which in the assembled caster gives the completed assembly a generally attractive form. An important improvement in the new design is realized from the fabrication of the body frame and the wheel from lightweight metal stampings or mouldings and the fabrication of the enclosing covers from thin gauge metal such as aluminum, steel, or plastic, whereby further to lighten the weight of the caster assembly. These parts can be made from other materials which may be suitable for the purpose. Presently it has been found that the metal stampings lend the desired effect most readily, giving the caster assembly the desired strength while re-ducing the weight of the material used and thereby the cost ; and are easily fabricated. A lightweight version of the j ;, invention with at least certain of the parts fabricated from precision castings, affords realization of certain ad-vantages of the inventive concept and incorporates basic principles thereof by the inclusion of a cast body frame carrying the swivel and the axle and having a wheel of fabricated or cast design rotatably mounted on the axle.
Thin gauge metal covers of lightweight and any desired shape are secured on the body frame and wheel respectively to give an overall generally enclosed form to the caster assembly.
The primary purpose of the invention is to provide a caster of low cost design, having lightweight, fabricated from parts affording required strength properties and having enclosing covers which give the caster assembly an overall generally enclosed form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other and more specific objects ..~
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~077209 of the invention are attained by the structure and arrangement of the caster assembly illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein ~.
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. - ~ , 1077'~09 Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a fully assembled caster according to this invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the caster assembly showing the body frame with attached swivel stem parts, the axle mounted wheel and the covers secured to both;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the caster taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
- Figures4 and 5 are detail horizontal sectional views taken on the lines 4-4 and 5-5 respectively of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a sectional view through a caster of modified form;
Figure 7 is a general vertical sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6 ~ Figure 8 is a detail horizontal view taken on the .~ line 8-8 of Figure 7;
. Figure 9 is a detail view of the swivel tube structure : of the type used with the caster of Figure 6;
Figure 10 illustrates a modified form of body frame with integrally attached swivel tubei Figure 11 is an elevational view of the body frame from the plane 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a horizontal detail sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Figure 11 showing the integral structure of the swivel tube with the body frame;
Figure 13 is a detail hori~ontal sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of Figure lli Figure 14 is a perspective view of the body frame . and integral swivel tube of Figures 10 and 11;
. Figure 15 is a generally vertical sectional view .~ 30 of a further modified form of the.invention where the body frame and swivel structure as well as the axle mounted wheel are constructed from precision castings and each with . a separately attached cover;
-,6 ' 11)77Z09 Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a detail view of the cast body frame;
Figure 18 is an elevational view of the body frame showing the opposite face thereof from that shown in Figure 16;
Figure 19 is a general cross sectional view of a fully assembled caster having a body frame member which comprises a centrally dished, generally circular plate and a wheel fabricated from two parts including a rim and an enclosed hub;
Figure 20 is an elevational view of the generally circular dished plate body member having an integrally formed swivel tube shown from the side facing the wheel;
Figure 21 also is an elevational view of the dished plate viewed from an edge of plate and showing the . . angularity of the swivel tube relative to the plate and an enclosed socket for a fixed axle;
Figure 22 is a top view of the dished plate, enclosed axle socket and swivel tube;
Figure 23 is an elevational view similar to Figure 20 showing a modified form of the body frame member having ; a separately formed swivel tube rigidly secured to the circular plate;
Figure 24 is a top view of the body frame and swivel tube structure shown in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 21 showing an edge view of the dished plate and swivel.tube structure illustrated in Figures 23 and 24;
Figure 26 is a general sectional view of another ~ 30 , form of the invention utilizing a precision cast body frame : member;
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, ~077Z09 Figure 27 is an elevational view, ~artly in section, taken on the line 27-27 of Figure 26 showing the skeleton-ized structure of the body frame member and integral swiveL
tube;
Figure 28 is an edge view of the body frame member illustrated in Figure 27 showing the integral swivel tube and an integral socket for a fixed axle;
Figure 29 is a top view of the precision cast body frame member of Figures 26, 27 and 28;
Figure 30 i5 a front elevational view of the two part wheel structure with the decorative cover removed showing the rim member and the enclosed hub member; and Figure 31 is a cross sectional view through a wheel assembly having an outwardly projecting annular flange, or inner rim mem~er, for the attachment of a re-movable plastic cover.
DESCRIPTION OF FIRST E~qBODI~IENT
In the drawings, as shown in Figures 1 through 5, a generally enclosed form of caster assembly 10 is shown as being comprised of stamped metal parts including a body frame 11 which,in this form, is of a generally flat, or pan-cake-like configuration, a rotata~le wheel 12 and light - weight metal covers 13 and 14 secured on the body frame and wheel respectively. These covers, as shown here, are secured to the body plate and wheel by crimping the edge of the respective covers over the edge of the body frame, as at 15, and over the edge of the wheel, as at 16. The-body frame - 11 is disc-like with a centrally disposed inwardly turned ; collar, or boss 17, in which an axle member 18 is fixedly mounted. The body frame 11 is disposed at an angle to the ,~_ -. .
~ . . ' ' ' .
1~77'~09 vertical and the axle 18 is perpendicular thereto so that the axle is canted, as best shown in Figure 2.
The wheel 12 turns on the axle in this position and rotates in a olane perpendicular thereto but the tread 19 of the wheel and the overlying cover portion, is shaped and dis-posed to engage a supoorting surface, or floor, in a normally rolling flatwise engagement. The axle 18 is prevented from turning in the boss 17 by a press fit, knurling, or serrations 20 engaging the inner periphery of the boss and is provided with an inner head 21 ~Ihich positions the axle in the boss 17. The wheel 12 is held on the axle by a washer 22 which may be of a suitable plastic, or metal bearing material and a lock washer 23. Ihe wheel 12 is provided with a central bearing 24 within the central ~ournal 25 and this bearing also is of a suitable plastic, or metal bearing material, as is the thrust bearing washer 26 at the inner side of the wheel bearing against the body frame 11.
The body frame 11 mounts a swivel stem structure on a vertical axis and in this form of the invention the swivel tube structure 27 is secured to the body frame 11 as a separ-ately formed element comprised of a support bracket 28 and the swivel tube 29, which is adapted to receive the stem 30 for the caster. The support bracket 28 includes a generally tubular socket 31 for the swivel tube 29 and flat portion ;~ 32. The flat portion is of double thickness and the socket 31 is formed integrally by wrapping the bracket around a suit-able shape, or die, to form the socket. The socket is formed with a tapered portion 33 which conforms with a similarly tapered portion on the ~ube 29. The swivel tube 29 extends through the socket 31, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, and seats on a shelf 34 formed integrally with the frame 11. The ' ~,g~
., , shelf 34 is formed with an uostanding embossment 35 about which the tube 29 fits and is seated. The flat portions of the support bracket are formed with an inwardly directed collar structure 36 adapted to fit over the central collar 17 on the body frame 11, which serves to position and rigidify the bracket on the body frame.
It will be noted that the tubular socket and swivel tube portions of the support bracket are disposed at least partially upon both sides of the plane of the body frame, forwhich purpose the body frame is provided with cut-out area 37 so that the socket 31 and tub2 29 can extend through the body frame 11 at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the body frame from the vertical. The flat portion 32 of the ~racket structure 28 is disposed in contiguous rela-tion to the adjoining surface of the body frame 11 and is rigidly secured thereto by clamping brackets 38, struck out of the bracket extension 32 to hold the bracket 28 in tight engagement with the body frame. This attachment together with the collar structure 36 engaged around the body frame central collar 17 securely positions and maintains the fixed relationship of the entire bracket structure with the body frame. If desired, the bracket structure 17 can be integrated with the body frame by welding, brazing or riveting.
The body frame 11 and thewheel 12 are both formed from metal of similar thickness while the enclosing covers 13 and 14 are formed from thin gauge light weight metal such as aluminum, thin gauge steel, or the like. The body frame and wheel must be of sufficient strength to suDport the loads imposed but the covers are not subjected to any undue stress and therefore can be applied as purely ornamental. The cover ~ 13 is perforated, as at 39, for passage of the tube 29 there-~Q77Z09 through, as best shown in Figure 1. The cover 14 is closely conformed to the tread 19 of the wheel 12, as best shown in Figure 2, but since this area of the cover is immediately backed up by the wheel tread 19 no undue forces are required to be supported by the cover. The tread 19 of the wheel 19 and the central journal 25, which forms the hub of the wheel, are integrally connected by web plate 40 which is disposed generally in the outer plane of the wheel and is connected with the central hub portion 25 at the inner side of the wheel by a sloping web portion ~1. The tread 19, central hub 25 , and intervening web portions 40 and 41 are formed during a stamping operation. The web of the wheel may be reinforced, or stiffened, at regularly spaced intervals around the wheel by means of corrugations 43, if desired or considered necessary.
! The stem 30 is secured to a mounting plate 42 which secures the caster on an item of furniture, or the like.
The stem 30 swivels in the tube 29 and may be secured therein against inadvertent withdrawal in any suitable manner, as desired. The tube 29 is rigid with the socket 31 and may be integrally secured thereto by welding, brazing or in any preferred manner.
MODIFIED FO~ OF THE INVENTION
.
In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 through 9, the body frame 11 and wheel 12 are fabricated from metal stampings, as before, and the support bracket j structure 27 is also separately formed and secured to the face i of the body frame. The thin gauge light weight enclosing covers ,; .
¦ 13 and 14 are secured to the body frame and wheel respectively, in similar manner, with the cover 13 crimped over the edge of :. --~_ ' : . :
1~7720~
the body frame, as at 15 and the cover 14 crimped over the edge of the wheel, as at 16. The body frame 11 is disposed at an angle to the vertical and the axle 18 therefore is canted and disposes the wheel 1~ for rotation in a plane parallel to the body frame. The body frame in this form also is flat and disc-li];e and is provided with an inwardly directed central collar 17, through which the axle 18 extends.
The axle is fixed in the collar 17 by serrations, or a press fit as at 20, so that it cannot rotate relative to the collar and is provided with a head 21 which fixes the position of the axle in the collar 17.
The support bracket structure 27 is formed with a flat plate portion 45, having a central collar 45 extending inwardly therefrom and surrounding the central collar 17 projecting inwardly from the body frame 11. The flat plate portion 45 is disposed in surface engagement with the face of the body frame and can be rigidly secured thereto, as by welds 47, or by other means, if preferred. The relative ' position of the plate portion 45 on the face of the body frame is fixed by a shoulder piece 48 struck out of the body frame 11 and projecting into a recess 49 in an edge plate 45. The plate 45 is provided with a socket structure 50 integral therewith and which is disposed vertically so that it is dis-posed at an angle to the integral plate portion 45. A sloping plate portion 51 connects the socket 50 with the flat plate at the angle defined by the vertical disposition of the socket and the angled position of the plate 45 on the body frame.
The tubular socket 50 is seated on a shoulder 52 formed integral with and bent from the body frame 11 to a horizontal position underlying the bottom end of the socket (see Figure 6). The socket may be secured to the shelf I( .
lQ772~g formed by the shoulder 52 by welding or brazing, if de~ired.
As in the previous form of the invention ~he tubular socket 50 extends at least partially through the bod~ frame 11 at an angle corresponding with the canted position of the body frame from the vertical. The socket 50, as described, is integral with the sloping plate portion 51 and the flat plate portion 45 and is formed by rolling the metal about a suitable form, or die, or the proper diameter and having thetapered area 53 in the final form of the tuhe. The upper end of the tubular socket 50 is provided with a separately formed collar peice 54 secured thereto, as by welding, or brazing. The caster stem 30 fits into the socket through the collar piece 54 and the mounting plate, or bracket 42, is secured to the stem. As in the previous form, the body frame 11 is provided with a cut-out area 37 for the passage of the tubular socket 50, whereby the socket structure can be disposed in a position extending upon opposite sides of the body frame.
The wheel 12 rotates on the axle 18 and includes a central hub 55 extending inwardly from a web portion 56 disposed in the outer plane of the wheel and which integrally connects the hub with the tread portion 19 of the wheel. The hub 55 is fitted with an internal bushing of plastic, bronze, sintered metal, or other suitable bearing material 24 and a thrust bearing washer 26 of similar material is disposed at the inner side of the wheel between the bearing areas of the inner end of the hub 55 and adjacent surface of the body frame 11. A washer 22, of suitable bearing material, is disposed on the axle at the outer face of the wheel and secured by a lock-ing washer 23. Stiffening corrugations 57 may be formed in the web 56 of the wheel at regularly spaced intervals around the wheel, if desired.
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107'7Z09 FURTHER MODIFIED FORM OF THE INVENTION
A concept illustrated in Figures 10 through 14 is directed to a modification in the design of the body plate 11 wherein the flat disc-like plate and associated swivel tube structure are of one piece construction with the swivel socket : integral with the body frame. As shown in Figure 10, the in-tegrally formed swivel socket 60 is disposed vertically and the body plate 61 occupies a position at an angle to the socket.
. As best shown in Figure 11, the body frame 61 lS cut out, as at 62, where the swivel socket 60 is formed and it will be seen that the swivel socket is formed by wrapping the metal in this area around a suitable die, or the like, to form the tubular section comprising the swivel socket, which is best :! illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.
PRECISION CAST VERSION OF THE INVENTION
The basic concept of the invention is followed in the caster arrangement shown in Figures 15 through 18, but the various caster parts take the form of precision castings in this design, although the enclosing covers giving the caster assembly its form continue as thin gauge, light weight aluminum, or steel shapes that are crimped, or snapped into place. The body frame casting 68 is canted at an angle to the vertical and the integrally cast swivel socket 69 is dis-posed vertically, with portions thereof disposed upon opposite sides of the sloping plane of the body frame 68, as best . indicated in Figures 15 and 18. An integral gusset 70 .`~ rigidifies and supports the bottom end area of the socket 69 where it is joined with the body frame 68 and as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 18, this cast socket member 69 is also .~ ~
provided with the tapered section 71. The upper end of the swivel socket is provided with an encircling collar 72 and , .
!,,1 ' --,1~4'--m77~0s the stem 30, pro jecting downwardly from the mounting plate 42 for the caster, is entered into the socket 69 through this collar.
Lntegrallv cast central collar 73 extends inwardly from the body frame 68 and provides a bearing for the canted axle 18 extending therethrough, with the head 21 on the axle acting as a stop against the inner end of the collar 73 to position the axle relative to the body frame and having serrations 20 on the axle to prevent its relative rotation in the collar. The cast wheel 74 rotates on the canted axle and therefore runs in an angular plane relative to the vertical, as dictated by the angle of the axle 18. The wheel is cast as one piece and includes a central hub with an integrally cast peripheral tread 77 which is formed to provide a supporting surface on the caster running sub-stantially flatwise relative to a supporting surface, or floor. The web 76 is disposed midway of the width of tread 77, as shown in Figure 15.
A central bearing 24 is mounted in the hub 75 and is made from a suitable plastic, bronze, or sintered metal material which affords a reduced friction running surface on the axle. A thrust bearing washer 26 is disposed .
between the inner face of the central hub 75 and the adjoining face of the body frame 68 and this thrust bearing is also made from a suitable bearing material affording a reduced frictional engagement between the wheel and the body frame. Washer 22 at the outer side of the wheel 74 is made from a similar material and a lock washer 23 secures the assembly and holds the wheel on the axle. The thin gauge light weight aluminum, or steel cover 78 on the wheel, fits into the inner periphery of the tread 77 and is adapted to be pressed, or snapped intb place, but the cover 13 is crimped over the edge of the body frame 68, as at 15, similarly to the manner of securing this cover on the other forms of casters hereinbefore described. An opening 79 in the cover 13 provides for the projection of the swivel socket 69 through the cover to receive the stem 30 for mounting the caster on an item of furniture, or other equipment, by means of the mounting plate 42.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
This embodiment of the invention incorporates a dished body frame member of generally circular plate-like form and a wheel member fabricated from separate parts secured together to form a rigid assembly. The generally circular body member comprises a dished plate 80 which is dished axially, as at 81, from the outer perimeter toward the center of the circular plate, as best revealed in Figures 20, 21 and 22. The dished portion 81 merges into a centrally disposed closed socket 82, which fixedly mounts cne end of an axle 83 pressed into the socket and fixed against rotation.
The dished circular plate body member incor-porates an integral swivel tube 84 to receive a stem ~5, ; by means of which tne caster is swivelly mounted on an article to be supported by one or more of such casters. A
bottom plate portion 86 extends under the lower end of the swivel tube 84 to act as a limit stop, or support, for the stem 85. The swivel tube includes a tapered portion 87 intermediate its top and bottom ends, which conforms ; with a similarl~ formed shoulder on the stem 85 to provide an effective supporting bearing between the stem and swivel tube. At its top end the swivel tube is formed with lS~
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107 7ZOg a reinforcing collar 88 and the caster 85 extends into the swivel tube through this rigidifying top collar portion.
The integral swivel tube as in previous forms of integral construction, is constructed by forming, or rolling the metal about a suitable die of the proper diameter, incorporating the tapered shape for the bearing portion 87, whereby the integral tube is shaped and dis-posed at the proper angle relative to ~he body plate 80 such that, in the operative position of the caster, the swivel tube 84 and mounting stem 85 are disposed vertically.
The swivel socket being operable about a vertical axis in operation and disposed at an angle to the body plate 80, disposes the body plate 80 in a canted position with the axle 83 projecting outwardly at an angle to the horizontal, having its axis at ninety degrees (90) relative to the canted plane of the body plate.
The axle 83 is fixedly secured in the mounting socket 82 by a pressed fit, or it may include serrations so that, in either event, it is prevented from rotating in the socket relative to the body plate 80. Because of the canted position of the body plate the swivel tube structure 84 is disposed upon opposite sides of a plane represented by the face of the body plate so that the swivel tube extends at least partially throu~-h the body plate with its bottom end projecting beyond the ou~er plane of the plate and its-upper end~disposed at the inner side of the body plate.
i The axis 83 rotatively supports a wheel assembly ~j .
90, which is of similar construction in the several forms of the invention hereinafter to be described. The wheel assembly includes two separately formed members 91 and 92 comprising ~ a rim member and an outer hub member respectively. The .,, ,~ , :
`' ' member 91 has an outer annular rim 93 formed integrally with a central web 94 which is offset at 9S to dispose that ~ortion 94a of the web structure adjacent to the periphery of the wheel in a plane spaced outwardly from the plane of the central web portion 94 so that the rim 93 is generally centered over the central web 94. The central web 94 is formed with a flanged annular collar 96 comprising an inner hub for the wheel which cooperates in.the mounting of the wheel assembly on the axle 83.
The wheel member 92 has a web structure 97 disposed in face-to-face engagement with the web 94 and rigidly secured thereto by welding, as indicated at 98 in Figure 30. The web 97 is flanged outwardly about its ?eriphery, as at 99 and this outwardly extending annular flange underlies the outwardly offset 95 in the web 94. ~eb portion 97 merges with an outwardly extending hub 100, integrally formed with the web 97 and which is disposed coaxially with the inner hub 96.
The outer end of the hub 100 is closed as at 101 so that the end of the axle 83 is fully enclosed by the hub structure.
A bearing sleeve 102 extends into the combined hub structure . 96 and 100.
,1 The outer hub 100 has an inside diameter which is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the inner huh 96 so that the bearing sleeve has an outside diameter 103 where it fits into the outer hub 100 and an outside diameter 104 where it fits in the inner hub 96. The bearing sleeve has a cored , out recess 106 in its inner surface located in the area of i the change in outside diameters 103 and 104 of the sleeve. At j its inner end an outwardly extending flange 105 on the bearing sleeve 102 overlies the inner end of the hub 96 while the inner end of the sleeve terminates in the outer hub 100 short of the -- end of the axle 83.
,~?
The axle 83 is assembled into the hub structure 96/100 of the wheel assembly 90 ~rior to the mounting of the axle in the body frame socket 82. The axle has a head 107 and as referred to above the bearing sleeve 102 at its inner end stops short of the shoulder formed by the axle head. The sleeve 102 is mounted on the axle 83 and the assembled axle and bearing sleeve are inserted into the hub structure 96/100 with the axle head 107 bearing against the inner face of the hub end closure 101 and the outstanding flange lOS overlying the inner end of the inner hub 96. The sleeve thus is disposed between the hub structure and the axle where it .; provides a bearing surface for the rotation of the t~heel 90 on the axle 83. ~ith the wheel and bearing sleeve mounted thereon, the axle 83 is then pressed into the socket 82 of . the dished body member 80 and the en~agement between the axle head 107 and the end closure 101 serves to facilitate the driving of the wheel and axle assembly into operative engage-ment with the socket. Thus, with the axle fixed against rotation in the body frame socket 82 the wheel will rotate ; 20 on the axle with the sleeve 102 forming a bearing between the wheel hub structure and the axle.
~ MODIFIED BO Y FRAME MEMBER
: Figures 23, 24 and 25 illustrate a modified con-. struction of the generally circular dished body frame plate 80 wherein the circular plate is of generally similar con-struction to that described in Figures 19-22 with the plate -. 80 being axially dished, as at 81., from the outer perimeter :~ portions of the plate inwardly toward the center where it .merges with the axle socket 82 having the enclosed end 101.
It should be pointed out that ~he axle socket 82 might be - formed integrally with the dished plate 80, either in the - . - . .
(g 107'7~09 form of the plate shown in Figures 19-22, or in the form of Figures 23-25.
The body frame member 80 of Figures 23-25 differs from the construction of this generally circular plate member as shown in Figures 19-22 in that a separate swivel tube member is provided that is rigidly secured to the body plate, preferably by welding. This body plate 80 cut away in the area of the swivel tube and is provided with an integral flange 110 that extends vertically in the operative position of the caster so that the body plate member 80 is canted in relation thereto (see Figure 25). This flange is provided for the attachment of a separate swivel tube structure 111, also disposed vertically and disposed at an angle to the body plate member corresponding with the relative angle of the flange 110 so that the generally circular body plate member 80 is canted relative to the swivel tube 111 in a manner similar to the previously described form of the body plate structure.
The separately formed swivel tube structure 111 is provided with a pair of integrally formed, vertically extending spaced apart flanges 112 which straddle the flange 110 on the body plate and afford a means of securing the swivel tube to the body plate 80. The flanges 112 sandwiched over the flange 110 are secured thereto as by welds 113 as best indicated in Figures 23 and 24. The swivel tu~e 111 is provided with a top reinforcing collar 114 surrounding the top end of the tube through which a mounting stem 116 is inserted and an intermediate tapered portion 115 affords an internal bearing seat for the stem. The body plate 80 at the position where it underlies the bottom end of the swivel tube 111 is formed to provide a limit stop, or support for the lower end of the stem 117. This limit stop is integral with the body plate q~ ~
. ~
1~77Z09 and is formed by bending over that portion of the body which extends under the swivel tube, as at 117 (see Figure 25 where this feature is ~est illustrated).
The swivel tube in this form of the invention occupies the same position and angularity relative to the circular body plate member 80 as in the previously described form and the wheel and axle assembly is mounted in the body plate structure in the identical manner and relationship so that the caster wheel 90 is adapted to rotate relative to this body frame member in the same manner as described for the assembly illustrated in Figure 19.
PRECISION CAST BODY FR~E M~BER
Figures 26, 27, 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein a precision cast, skele-tonized body frame member is utilized to mount the wheel instead of the dished circular plate of the previous forms of the invention. The same wheel structure is used with this body frame and therefore the same reference charact-ers have been used in Figure 26 for the wheel assembly as was used in describing the wheel structure of Figure 19 since the wheel assemblies are identical. The cast body frame 120 is not continuous around the entire circumference of the caster but is of a skeletonized open framework type of construction including two segments 121 and 122.
The segment 122 is of open construction as at 123 includes a rim portion 124 integrally connected with a cen-trally disposed axle socket 125 by ribs 126. The axle socket includes an integral enclosed end wall 127 whereby the mounted end of the axle 83 is fuIly enclosed within the . ,, ~ 30 socket where it is supported and held against rotation. The .
:~ .~0 -.
. . . . .
axle, having the wheel structure assembled thereon, is pressed into the socket 125 and may be provided with serrations (not shown) further to prevent relative rotation. The axle 83 may be driven into the socket 125 and this operation is facilated by the contact engagement of theclosed hub end 101 with the axle head 107.
The segment 121 also includes a rim 128 connected with the axle socket structure 125 by intermediate body structure 129 including an integrally formed swivel tube 130. The structure connecting the rim 128 and socket structure 125 is quite substantial because the stresses involved in supporting and transferring the loads en-countered in actual use are very heavy and must be carried from the mounting stem 131 into the swivel tube structure 130 and into the axle socket 125 and thence to the wheel assembly rolling on a supporting surface. The forces in-volved therefore must be transferred between the swivel mounting adjacent to the rim of the body frame and the central axle hub so that the structure in this area of the body frame must be exceptional-ly strong whereas the segment 122 can be of relatively light construction inasmuch as it merely provides an attachment for a decorative cover more fully hereinafter to be described. As best indicated in Figures 28 and 29 the cast body frame structure 129 integrally connecting the axle socket 125 at the center of the body frame 120 with the outer segmental rim portion 128 is of strongly reinforced construction for transferring the stresses involved between these areas. As shown, the structure 129 is of heavy section with sufficient metal in the section to carry the forces encountered and as distinguished from the . .
;
10'77209 open framework of the segment 122 the structure 129 of segment 121 is of continuous closed construction, as best shown in Pigure 27. The axle socket 125 also is heavily ,. .
reinforced, as best indicated in-Figure 26, for the rigid mounting of the axle 83 therein.
The integral swivel tube structure 130 incor~orates its own battom closure, or limit stop, which comprises a bottom end wall 132 and like the previously described ; swivel tubes this cast structure includes an intermediate tapered portion 133 affording a seat for stem 131. It will be seen that this cast swivel tube 130 is also disposed vertically in the normal operating position of the caster and is disposed at ~; an angle to the operating plane of the body frame which there-fore is disposed in a canted position corresponding to the an-gularity of the swivel tube relative to the generally inclined ~ plane of the body frame, as best indicated in Figure 26.
;i Accordingly, the swivel tube structure extends upon both sides of the general plane of the segment 121 with the u~per main ~ body section disposed to a major extent on the inner side of ,j~ 20 the segment and the bottom end of the swivel tube extending ~;- at least partially through the plane of the segment to the outer side thereof. This is clearly shown in Figure 28 but is also indicated in Figure 29 and in Figure 27 as well.
~ODIFIED WHEEL STRUCTURE
~ The caster assembly illustrated in Figure 31 is of ,'~, . .
l slmllar construction to the caster assemblies heretofore i described but the wheel structure is modified in respect tothe outer wheel member 92. The outwardly extending annular flange S9 in this modified structure projects outwardly beyond .. , ~ . .
~" 30 the face of the web portion 94a and provided with a flared ': .
i~ lio 135 that is continuous ana extends entirely around the out-wardly extended flange. A cover 136 is provided for the outer . --,.~3--' ~077Z09 side of the wheel and this cover is centered on the ~heel by means of an inwardly directed socket 127 which fits over the closed hub 100 of the outer wheel member 92.
The cover 136 also includes an inwardly directed annular flange 138 which extends continuously entirely around the inside face of the cover and engages over the flared lip 135 on the flange 99 to secure the cover on the wheel by means of a snap-fit engagement of the flange 138 over the lip 135.
The cover 136 may be constructed of nonmetallic material such as a suitable impact resistance plastic and is shaped to form a portion of a sphere terminating at the face of the web portion 94a so that the edges thereof are spaced inwardly of the wheel rim 93 when the covered is installed on the projecting lip 135.
In this form of the wheel the rim 93 has direct contact with a supporting surface and rolls on such surface without the interposition of any part of the wheel cover.
The annular rim 93 and the web portion 94a of the wheel assembly may have a suitable plating applied thereto as a decorative feature, if desired, or the rim 93 may have a nonmetallic tread (not shown) applied therto, such as a suit-able plastic material, or a resilient tread material, for use of the caster on uncarpeted floors.
DECORATIVE_CO~ERS ON _~EEL AND BODY FR~lE
As best shown in Figures 19 and 26 the caster assemblies are provided with decorative metal covers which are of light weight thin gauge construction and are mounted respectively on the body frame members and on the wheel assembly to give the caster assemblies a generally spherical appearance. The covers are of similar construction in the form of caster shown in Figure 19 and in the form 2~
~_ ' ; ` .
shown in Figure 26. The body frame cover 140 is of generally hemispherical shape and in Figure 19 is crimped over the edge of the generally circular body plate 80 for attachment thereto while in Figure 26 this cover is crimped over the edge of the segmental rim portions 124 and 128 to provide the attachment and in the areas between the segments 121 and 122 the crimped over portion of the cover is omitted, as best revealed in Figure 27. However, in the form of the invention shown in Figure 26, the cover 140 may have a snap~
fit engagement with the segments 121 and 122, if preferred, and whereby the cover would be snapped onto the rim portions 124 and 128. The cover 140 is provided with an opening 141 for the passage of the swivel tube 111, or 130, as the case may be, so that the swivel tube is accessible for the mounting stem 116 or 131.
The cover 142 for the wheel assembly also is of generally hemispherical shape but includes an offset 143 lying flat against the web portion 94a of the wheel and extending between the rim portion 144 of the cover and the central spherical portion 145 covering the outer hub portion of the wheel assembly. The rim portion 144 lies in full sur-face engagement with the wheel rim 93 and rolls on the supporting surface fully backed up by the wheel rim so that even though the cover 142 is of light weight thin gauge metal, no damage can be in1icted on the cover flange 144 in the face of its structural support by the wheel rim.
The rim portion 144 of the wheel cover 142 is crimped over the inner edge of the wheel rim 93 and flanged under the rim, as at 146, whereby a positive attachment of the cover onto the wheel assembly is provided. Thus, the covers 140 and 142 fully enclose the caster assembly and provide a caster of attractive and generally spherical appearance.
,~-From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been provided a caster comprised of a generally circular body frame member which may be axially dished, or disc-like and aseparate wheel member which may be made from metal stampings, or at least one from pr~cision castings, which may be s~eletonized and each having a thin gauge, light weight cover attached thereto to provide a caster of generally enclosed form when the several parts are assembled. The body frame carries a fixed axle which is canted at an angle : 10 such that the wheel rotates thereon in a plane at an angle to the vertical and a vertically disposed swivel socket, also on the body plate, provides for connection of the caster assembly to an article of furniture, or equi~ment.
By the construction of this design a caster of light weight has been provided wherein the manufacturing costs have been substantially reduced and wherein the caster is of suitable design for efficient manufacture whereby to afford a com-pleted caster assembly capable of competing with other caster arrangements on the basis of cost, or light weight.
Claims (14)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A caster assembly comprised of two basic parts including a body frame and a separate wheel rotatable relative to the body frame, said body frame having a vertical swivel tube rigidly associated with the body frame, a canted axle fixedly mounted on said body frame, a thin gauge hollow shell enclosing one side of said body frame and said swivel tube, said shell extending over the peripheral edge of said body frame at least in part to secure the shell on said body frame, said wheel being rotatably mounted on said axle and having a tread portion overlying the shell extending over said peripheral edge of the body frame, and a thin gauge hollow shell enclosing the open side of said wheel and secured to a rim portion of said wheel.
2. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body frame comprises a generally circular plate having a central hub mounting said axle.
3. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said generally circular plate is axially dished and said central hub includes a closed end enclosing said axle.
4. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body frame comprises a precision cast skele-tonized structure including an integral hub mounting said axle and said swivel tube is integral with said structure.
5. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said skeletonized structure encompasses less than the full circumference of the body frame and includes segmental portions disposed respectively at opposite sides of a vertical line through the axis of the caster.
6. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wheel is comprised of two basic parts including a first member having an annular outer rim and an annular inner hub connected by an intermediate web, a second member having an annular outer hub in axial alignment with the inner hub and an integral web disposed in face-to-face engagement with said intermediate web and secured thereto, and a bearing sleeve in said aligned hubs between the wheel structure and said axle.
7. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said axle has a head on one end disposed in said outer hub and the outer hub has a closed end enclosing said head.
8. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said sleeve is nonmetallic with a flanged outer end overlying the inner end of said inner hub with the inner end of the sleeve terminating in proximity to said axle head.
9. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said intermediate web has an offset inwardly of said rim and said web on the outer hub having an outwardly turned flange underlying said offset.
10. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said outwardly turned flange includes a portion that extends beyond the outer face of said first member, and a cover enclosing said outer hub having a snap-fit engagement with said outwardly turned flange portion.
11. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 6 having a tread material mounted on said annular outer rim.
12. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first mentioned shell is crimped over said peripheral edge of said body frame.
13. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second mentioned shell is secured to said rim portion of said wheel by a snap fit connection.
14. A caster assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a stem having one end of same rotatably mounted in said swivel tube and the other end of same having attach-ment means thereon.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/845,427 US4144617A (en) | 1976-12-07 | 1977-10-25 | Tilted axle caster |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1077209A true CA1077209A (en) | 1980-05-13 |
Family
ID=25295217
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,557A Expired CA1077209A (en) | 1977-10-25 | 1978-06-29 | Tilted axle caster |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5461743A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU517446B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7805029A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1077209A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE2828572A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2407088A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2011782B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1097512B (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ187627A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7807260L (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA783685B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018050743A1 (en) * | 2016-09-14 | 2018-03-22 | Design4Liva Enk | Roller device |
-
1978
- 1978-06-20 NZ NZ187627A patent/NZ187627A/en unknown
- 1978-06-21 AU AU37341/78A patent/AU517446B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-27 ZA ZA00783685A patent/ZA783685B/en unknown
- 1978-06-27 SE SE7807260A patent/SE7807260L/en unknown
- 1978-06-29 DE DE19782828572 patent/DE2828572A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1978-06-29 DE DE19787819533U patent/DE7819533U1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-29 CA CA306,557A patent/CA1077209A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-07 FR FR7820398A patent/FR2407088A1/en active Granted
- 1978-07-07 IT IT25467/78A patent/IT1097512B/en active
- 1978-07-10 JP JP8391278A patent/JPS5461743A/en active Pending
- 1978-07-10 GB GB7829344A patent/GB2011782B/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-07 BR BR7805029A patent/BR7805029A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2011782A (en) | 1979-07-18 |
| GB2011782B (en) | 1982-04-21 |
| IT7825467A0 (en) | 1978-07-07 |
| JPS5461743A (en) | 1979-05-18 |
| SE7807260L (en) | 1979-04-26 |
| BR7805029A (en) | 1979-05-29 |
| AU3734178A (en) | 1980-01-03 |
| FR2407088A1 (en) | 1979-05-25 |
| DE2828572A1 (en) | 1979-04-26 |
| ZA783685B (en) | 1979-07-25 |
| IT1097512B (en) | 1985-08-31 |
| DE7819533U1 (en) | 1979-11-08 |
| FR2407088B3 (en) | 1981-03-20 |
| NZ187627A (en) | 1982-03-16 |
| AU517446B2 (en) | 1981-07-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |