Patent ID: 7926145
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: B60B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lockable caster comprising: a mounting member adapted to be connected to a load to be supported by the caster; a yoke pivotally connected to the mounting member for relative pivotal movement about a swivel axis, the yoke comprising two depending legs interconnected by an upper bight portion; a wheel mounted between the legs of the yoke for rotation about a running axis; a locking structure between the legs of the yoke adjacent the bight portion and fixed relative to the mounting member, the locking structure comprising recesses spaced so as to at least partially surround the swivel axis; a total lock mechanism carried by the yoke, comprising a movable brake member adapted to engage the wheel to lock it against rotation, and a movable total lock tooth configured to engage any of a plurality of the recesses to lock the yoke against pivotal movement about the swivel axis in any of a plurality of total lock positions; and a directional lock mechanism carried by the yoke and comprising a movable directional lock tooth adapted to engage at least one of the recesses to lock the yoke against pivotal movement about the swivel axis in at least one directional lock position while allowing the wheel to rotate, the number of directional lock positions being fewer than the number of total lock positions, wherein the number of recesses engageable by the directional lock tooth is fewer than the number of recesses engageable by the total lock tooth.