Wheel with interlocking hub and spacer
AssigneePoly-Flex, Inc.
InventorsRobert J. Fisch, Randal P. Wiser, Amy R. Seibel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for allowing pre-assembly of a wheel and wheel spacer and a method of using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus provides a structure within the hub of a molded plastic wheel and a structure on a spacer segment for engagement of the two parts. A variety of embodiments are described in which the spacer can easily be snapped, screwed, or pressed into the wheel. This allows pre-assembly of the spacer and wheel so that when needed, a spacer need not be found or acquired, but is readily available to the user.
Claims30
A plastic wheel comprising:
- a rolling surface;
- an axle support member operably associated with the rolling surface, wherein the axle support member has a central bore;
- an axle retaining segment within the support member, the retaining segment including a first engagement portion;
- and
- a spacer having a second engagement portion for engagement with the first engagement portion of the retaining segment.
A system for providing mobility to an apparatus comprising:
- a wheel having an outer rolling surface and an inner axle receiving portion;
- an axle inserted into the receiving portion of the wheel;
- and
- a cylindrical sleeve carried on the axle between the wheel and the apparatus, wherein the sleeve is engageable with the wheel by manually screwing it into place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.