Patent ID: 7350269
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: B60B,B62B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adjustable caster for supporting a structure above a floor and for leveling an operational surface of the structure relative to the floor, the caster capable of adjustment while attached to and supporting the structure, comprising: a) a mounting assembly attached to the structure; b) a stem comprising a first and second end, the first end configured to be removably and adjustably attached to the mounting assembly; c) a caster wheel assembly operatively associated with the second end of the stem, the castor wheel assembly comprising a wheel and a wheel bracket; and d) an adjustment assembly operatively associated with the stem and accessible to a user of the adjustable caster when the adjustable caster is assembled and attached to the caster supported structure, the adjustment assembly configured to adjust the displacement of the stem relative to the mounting assembly and, in turn the displacement of the caster wheel assembly relative to the mounting assembly and the displacement of the supported structure relative to the floor, the adjustment assembly comprising an adjustment member operatively associated with the second end of the stem and disposed on the stem below the wheel bracket, the adjusting member being manipulable to permit adjustment of the displacement of the caster wheel assembly relative to the mounting assembly and the supported structure and, in turn, to level the operational surface relative to the floor when the caster is attached to and supporting the structure, the wheel remaining in operable contact with the floor when the operational surface has been leveled by manipulation of the adjustment member, and a locking member configured to be operatively attached to the first end of the stem, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a mounting bracket comprising: a plate having a top and bottom surface, the plate configured to removably attach to the structure to be supported by the adjustable caster; and a sleeve comprising a proximal end mounted to and extending from the bottom surface of the plate, a distal end, and a sleeve axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and wherein the adjustment assembly is configured to adjust the displacement of the stem along the sleeve axis.