Integrated caster and leveler

An integrated caster and leveler device for moving and supporting equipment that includes a support framework, said device comprising:

• a leveling subassembly comprising:
• a stud having a first end and a threaded second end and defining a longitudinal axis running between the first end and second end;
• and
• a foot defining a substantially circular perimeter, wherein the foot is mounted on the first end of the stud to rotate with three rotational degrees of freedom;
• a tubular member, wherein the tubular member has a first end and a second end and the tubular member forms a threaded, cylindrical passage at the first end of the tubular member adapted to mate with the second end of the stud, said passage extending through the tubular member to the second end and defining a central longitudinal axis, said passage adopted to receive the second end of the stud at the first end of the tubular member, to selectively retain the leveling subassembly within the tubular member in at least a retracted position and an extended position, and to allow movement of the subassembly between the retracted position and the extended position by rotating the stud relative to the passage and wherein the longitudinal axis of the stud is approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis of the passage;
• a wheel chassis assembly, comprising:
• a chassis rotably mounted on the tubular member to rotate about the longitudinal axis defined by the stud;
• and
• a wheel having a rolling surface, rotably mounted to the chassis to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is offset from the longitudinal axis defined by the stud;
• and
• wherein when the subassembly is in the extended position the leveling subassembly is adapted to support the equipment, and when the subassembly is in the retracted position the wheel chassis is adapted to support the equipment and the foot contacts the rolling surface of the wheel and pitches about a transverse axis through the first end of the stud between a nominal angle and a maximum angle between 1 and 5 degrees greater than the nominal angle and the foot rotates as the wheel turns such that that point of the perimeter most distant from the wheel remains closest to the second end of the stud, and wherein the first end of the stop forms a shoulder of a selected height, and wherein the foot further includes a tongue and rim circumscribing the socket wherein the tongue is swaged inward to retain the ball in the socket, and the rim cooperates with the shoulder such that as the foot pitches to the maximum angle the rim contacts the shoulder, whereby the foot is prevented from pitching beyond the maximum angle.