Caster for isolating shock and vibration loads
AssigneeLord Corporation
InventorsDenise M. Braeger, James T. Gwinn, Richard P. Thorn, Richard S. Gureghian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Three embodiments of a shock-isolating caster. A surface-effect damper engages at least one of a wheel element and an intermediate structural member to dampen vibration and shock loads which would otherwise be transmitted from the wheel element through the intermediate structure and mounting member to the equipment supporting cart. A first embodiment positions the damper between an outer wheel rim and an inner wheel hub. Second and third embodiments mount the wheel on a pivotable arm and dampen the movement of the arm. Capability to adjust damping levels is provided.
Claims21
A shock-isolating caster comprising
- a) a ground-engaging wheel element having generally vertically extending surfaces;
- b) a mounting member for securement to a base assembly to be isolated from shock and vibration loads;
- c) intermediate structure positioned between said ground-engaging wheel element and said mounting member to interconnect said wheel element to said mounting member, said intermediate structure having generally vertically extending surfaces;
- d) a surface-effect elastomeric damper including an elastomeric member and restraining means preventing movement of said elastomeric member laterally, said damper engaging at least a surface portion of said generally vertically extending surfaces of at least one of said wheel element and said intermediate structure;
- said surface-effect elastomeric damper producing both frictional and hysteresis damping forces upon said surface portion which it engages as a result of relative movement between said surface portion and said damper to dampen transmission of vibration to said base assembly from said wheel element.
A shock-damping caster comprising
- a) a ground-engaging wheel having generally vertically extending surfaces;
- b) a support base to be isolated from shock and vibration;
- c) intermediate structure connecting said wheel to said base, said intermediate structure including an elongated arm having a first end mounting said wheel and a second end which is pivotal about a laterally extending hinge, said elongated arm having generally vertically extending lateral surfaces;
- d) elastomeric damper means engaging at least one of said generally vertically extending lateral surfaces of said elongated arm to produce a damping force to dampen transmission of shock and vibration from said wheel to said base;
- e) means to adjust a magnitude of said damping force created by said damper means by increasing or decreasing an area of said at least one generally vertically extending lateral surface in contact with said damper means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.