Cart wheel snap lock device

A snap lock device for mounting a wheel on an axle having a circumferential groove, the wheel defining a bore to receive the axle and a plurality of apertures for mounting the snap lock device to the wheel, the bore defining at least one opening, each of the apertures including a ramp extending into the apertures, the snap lock device comprising:

• a hubcap having a lower surface, the hubcap configured to cover at least two of the plurality of apertures when the snap lock device is installed in the wheel;
• a first clip extending from the lower surface of the hubcap and a second clip extending from the lower surface of the hubcap, wherein the first clip, the second clip, and the hubcap are formed as one integral piece;
• and
• the first clip and the second clip each including a spring directly coupled to the lower surface of the hubcap, each clip further including an engagement member coupled to the spring, each clip further including an actuator coupled to the spring and extending laterally from the hubcap,
• wherein the engagement member is adapted to fit into the axle groove, and
• wherein, when the snap lock device is mounted on the wheel,
• a portion of the spring of each clip is located below the ramp,
• the spring of each clip urges the engagement member into one of the at least one opening of the bore,
• the actuator of each clip is accessible by a user, and
• the actuator of each clip being engageable and movable toward the bore by a user, movement of the actuator resulting in movement of the engagement members away from a center of the bore.

A method of tool-less installation of a snap lock device in a wheel on an axle having a circumferential groove, the wheel defining a bore to receive the axle and a plurality of apertures for mounting the snap lock device to the wheel, the method comprising:

• aligning a first clip and a second clip of the snap lock device with two of the plurality of apertures such that an engagement member of each clip rests on the bore, wherein each clip includes a spring coupled to the engagement member, and wherein each clip includes an actuator coupled to the spring;
• applying a first force on a hubcap of the snap lock device toward the wheel assembly, wherein the first force retracts the engagement members to the sides of the bore, and wherein the hubcap, the first clip, and the second clip are formed as one integral piece;
• applying a second force on the hubcap of the snap lock device toward the wheel assembly, wherein the second force moves the engagement members into position in an opening of the bore, wherein the second force positions a crossbar of the springs on a ramp in the aperture;
• and
• applying a third force on the hubcap of the snap lock device toward the wheel assembly, wherein the third force moves the crossbar below the ramp and seats the hubcap on the wheel.

A method of tool-less installation and removal of a wheel on an axle having a circumferential groove, the wheel defining a bore to receive the axle and a plurality of apertures, the method comprising:

• providing a snap lock device including a hubcap having a lower surface, a first clip extending from the lower surface, and a second clip extending from the lower surface, wherein the hubcap, the first clip, and the second clip are formed as one integrated member;
• installing the snap lock device in the wheel by inserting the first clip into one of the plurality of apertures and inserting the second clip into another of the plurality of apertures, wherein each clip includes an engagement member, wherein the engagement members are biased toward the center of the bore in an opening of the bore;
• positioning the wheel on the axle by receiving the axle into the bore so that the axle contacts the engagement members, wherein each clip includes a spring extending from a hubcap of the snap lock device and an actuator coupled to the spring and extending laterally away from the hubcap, and wherein each engagement member is attached to the corresponding spring;
• and
• coupling the wheel to the axle by applying force on the wheel toward the axle such that the engagement members retract and allow the axle to contact a terminating end of the bore, wherein the engagement members enter the bore and contact the circumferential groove of the axle.