Patent ID: 7578028
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: A63B,B60B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device for providing multi-directional movement comprising: a housing having at least one main roller located therein, the housing having a first end defining an opening through which a part of the main roller extends, and a tapering second end, wherein the second end and a generally vertical inner wall portion of the housing define a cavity in which the main roller is located, the second end comprising a second-end wall portion which is inclined relative to the generally vertical inner wall portion of the housing; at least one bearing means comprising an annular member with a plurality of openings in which support rollers are located for contacting a surface part of the or each main roller, the surface part being a surface part of the roller oriented towards the second end of the housing, and wherein at least some of the support rollers are seated in the openings so that parts of their surfaces protrude further towards the first end of the housing than does the annular member in which they are located; a recessed circular region, provided in the inclined second-end wall portion, for accommodating the support rollers, the recessed circular region being spaced apart inwardly from, and having a substantially smaller diameter than, the generally vertical inner wall portion of the housing; a centring mechanism for preventing contact between the main roller and the inner wall portion of the housing and comprising a plurality of centring rollers for contacting a peripheral portion of the or each main roller; retainer for retaining the centring mechanism in position in the housing around the or each main roller; and brake for providing resistance to rotation of at least one main roller.