Actuating mechanism for a caster
AssigneeLinet Spol. S R.O.
InventorVladimir Kolar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuating mechanism for a caster that brakes and positions the caster by means of a cam mechanism that enables braking of the caster using minimum forces developed on the brake lever or brake rod. The mechanism helps to handle casters of patient support apparatuses in hospital and nursery facilities easily, using minimum force developed by caregivers or by an electronic caster brake systems if used for braking of casters of patient support apparatuses, as well. The mechanism may produce an outstanding decrease of noise level of castors on patient support apparatuses.
Claims12
An actuating mechanism assembly for a caster comprises a pin, a carrying member wherein an inner part of the pin comprises a cam mechanism comprising a cam for position of an actuating pedal of a brake pedal, a cam for direction of the caster operable to lock the caster in a direction position so that the caster is not free to change direction, and a cam for braking the caster and of vertical brake of the caster operable to fix the caster against rotation and lock the caster in a direction position so that the caster is not free to change direction, wherein each one of the cams is in contact with a corresponding one of three lifting members, wherein each one the lifting members is in contact with one of three locking levers, wherein each one of the locking levers is in contact with at least one ratchet, wherein at least some of the lifting members or locking levers are limited by at least one spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.