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US 11,654,715 B2Granted
Caster wheel
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorsDavid A. Doerflinger, William T. Sharp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing friction on a brake arm of a caster wheel brake. A washer can be positioned between the brake arm and the support arm to reduce friction in this area. Lubricant can also be provided between the brake arm and the support arm, and also between the brake arm and the brake cam, to reduce the friction in these areas. The presently disclosed embodiments therefore allow less force to actuate the brake arm as compared to prior art caster wheels.
Claims10
A caster wheel comprising:
- a base;
- a swivel coupled to the base;
- a support arm having opposing first and second support ends, wherein the support arm is coupled to the swivel at the first support end;
- a wheel rotatably coupled to the support arm at the second support end, the wheel having a hole at a radial center of the wheel;
- an axle extending through the hole of the wheel and coupling to the support arm;
- a brake arm rotatably disposed about the axle;
- and
- a substantially flat washer disposed between the brake arm and the support arm, wherein the substantially flat washer is composed of a high-lubricity material adapted to reduce friction between the brake arm and the support arm.
5 more elements
A method of lubricating a caster wheel comprising:
- providing the caster wheel having a base, a wheel rotatably coupled to the base by a support arm, a brake having a brake arm rotatably disposed about an axle with first and second axle ends, a head located at the first axle end, a nut threadably coupled to threads at the second axle end, and a substantially flat washer disposed between the brake arm and the support arm, wherein the substantially flat washer is composed of a high-lubricity material;
- loosening the nut without removing the nut from the axle;
- applying a lubricant to the brake between the brake arm and the support arm;
- providing the lubricant to the brake between the brake arm and a brake cam;
- and
- tightening the nut.
3 more elements
A caster wheel comprising:
- a base;
- a swivel coupled to the base;
- a support arm having opposing first and second support ends, wherein the support arm is coupled to the swivel at the first support end;
- a wheel rotatably coupled to the support arm at the second support end, the wheel having a hole at a radial center of the wheel;
- an axle extending through the hole of the wheel and coupling to the support arm;
- a brake arm rotatably disposed about the axle;
- and
- a substantially flat washer composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and disposed between the brake arm and the support arm, wherein the substantially flat washer reduces friction between the brake arm and the support arm.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.