Caster device

A caster device for attachment to a first and a second member of a frame is disclosed, the members being disposed angularly relative to each other to define a corner of the frame. The members define apertures and attachment slots. The device includes a caster for supporting the frame and a top plate supported by the caster. The top plate has a first and a second edge, the second edge extending angularly away from the first edge. The first edge of the top plate extends along the first member of the frame. Also, the second edge of the top plate extends along the second member of the frame. A first wall has a first and a second end, the first wall extending from the first edge of the top plate. Additionally, the first wall is aligned with and extends along the first member. A second wall has a first and a second extremity, the second wall extending from the second edge of the top plate. The second wall is aligned with and extends along the second member. A first tab extends from the first wall, the first tab extending through one of the attachment slots of the first member. Also, a second tab extends from the second wall, the second tab extending through one of the attachment slots of the second member. The first and second tabs facilitate location of the caster device relative to the corner of the frame. Moreover, a first interlocking tab defines a first hook, the first interlocking tab extending from the first wall. The first interlocking tab extends through one of the attachment slots of the first member for interlocking the device to the frame and further supporting the frame. Additionally, a second interlocking tab defines a second hook, the second interlocking tab extending from the second wall. The second interlocking tab extends through one of the attachment slots of the second member for interlocking the device to the frame and further supporting the frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a caster device for attachment to a first and a second member of a frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a caster device for attachment to a first and a second member of a frame, the members being disposed angularly relative to each other to define a corner of the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a caster wheel assembly. It is generally known to provide various caster wheel assemblies for cabinets, particularly, heavy cabinets. Typically, prior caster wheel assemblies are bolted directly to a frame for the cabinet. Some prior caster wheel assemblies utilize snap type holding systems for attachment to the frame. One problem with using such devices is the cost associated therewith. Another problem with using such devices is that adverse forces, such as when a cabinet is dropped, may be transferred to the fastener thereby damaging the article and/or fastener. Thus, for at least these reasons, there is a need for a new and improved caster wheel assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,724 to Reilly, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a caster wheel assembly. The subject invention includes, among other things, certain improvements to the device of the Reilly Patent. A pair of front tabs are used to locate the top plate with respect to the corner of the frame. The tabs inhibit the top plate from undesirably moving as a result of the interference with the frame. A pair of interlock tabs also locate the top plate relative to the frame to inhibit the top plate from moving, but the interlock tabs are also adapted to take more load. The interlock tabs are provided with a protruding hook like shape that is adapted to fit or even lock into place with respect to the frame. A pair of small screws, preferably self-tapping screws, are used simply locate the assembly relative to the frame. The tabs, primarily the interlock tabs, support the assembly so that loading forces can be transferred back to the frame and not the screws, thereby providing a more stable and robust assembly. It is noted that the receiving holes in the assembly for the screws can be slightly oversized to allow the assembly to float under load so as to further minimize any possible damage to the screws.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a caster device that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art arrangements.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a caster device that is reliable in use and that is relatively low in cost.

Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of a caster device that is stronger and more capable of withstanding shock than prior art arrangements.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a caster device of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the caster device generally designated10according to the present invention is provided for attachment to a first and a second member12and14respectively of a frame generally designated16. The members12and14are disposed angularly relative to each other to define a corner18of the frame16.

FIG. 2is a top, partially superimposed plan view of the caster device10shown in FIG.1. As shown inFIG. 2, the members12and14define apertures20and21respectively, which can be threaded or non-threaded apertures, and attachment slots22,23,24and25respectively.

FIG. 3is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line3—3of FIG.2. As shown inFIG. 3, the device10includes a caster generally designated26for supporting the frame16and a top plate28movably supported by the caster26.

As shown inFIG. 1, the top plate28has a first and a second edge30and32, the second edge32extending angularly away from the first edge30. The first edge30of the top plate28extends along the first member12of the frame16. Also, the second edge32of the top plate28extends along the second member14of the frame16.

As shown inFIG. 2, a first wall34has a first and a second end36and38respectively, the first wall34extending from the first edge30of the top plate28. Additionally, the first wall34is aligned with and extends along the first member12. A second wall40has a first and a second extremity42and44respectively, the second wall40extending from the second edge32of the top plate28. The second wall40is aligned with and extends along the second member14. A first flange46has a first and second termination48and50respectively, the first flange46extending away from the first wall34for engaging or supporting the first member12. Furthermore, the first flange46is spaced relative to the top plate28. A second flange52has a first and second side54and56respectively, the second flange52extending away from the second wall40for engaging or supporting the second member14. The second flange52is spaced relative to the top plate28. A further wall58has a first and a second boundary60and62respectively, the further wall58extending from the top plate28and being disposed between the first and second members12and14such that the top plate28is disposed between the walls34,40and58respectively. A first ear64extends from the first boundary60of the further wall58, the first ear64defining a hole66which is aligned with one of the apertures20of the first member12. Also, a second ear68extends from the second boundary62of the further wall58, the second ear68defining a further hole70which is aligned with one of the apertures21of the second member14.

With reference toFIG. 3, a first tab72extends from the first wall34, the first tab72extending through one of the attachment slots22of the first member12.

With reference toFIG. 2, a second tab74extends from the second wall40, the second tab74extending through one of the attachment slots23of the second member14. The first and second tabs72and74respectively facilitate location of the caster device10relative to the corner18of the frame16. Moreover, a first interlocking tab76defines a first hook78(FIG.4), the first interlocking tab76extending from the first wall34between the first tab72and the first ear64.

FIG. 4is an enlarged perspective view of the interlocking tab76. As shown inFIG. 4, the first interlocking tab76extends through one of the attachment slots24of the first member12for interlocking the device10to the frame16.

FIG. 5is an enlarged perspective view of another interlocking tab shown in FIG.2. As shown inFIG. 5, a second interlocking tab80defines a second hook82. As shown inFIG. 2, the second interlocking tab80extends from the second wall40between the second tab74and the second ear68. As shown inFIG. 5, the second interlocking tab80extends through one of the attachment slots25of the second member14for interlocking the device10to the frame16.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of the caster device10shown in FIG.1. The interlocking tabs76and80interlock with the slots24and25respectively by means of the hooks78and82respectively.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, the caster26includes an axle84and a wheel86rotatably supported by the axle84. A forked support88has a first and a second end90and92respectively, the first end90of the support88supporting the axle84with the second end92of the support88being rotatably supported by the top plate28.

As shown inFIG. 2, the top plate28is of triangular shaped configuration, the plate28defining an aperture94for the rotatable reception therein of the second end92of the forked support88.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 6, the first wall34is disposed normal to the plate28and the second wall40is also disposed normal to the plate28. Also, the first flange46is disposed parallel relative to the plate28and the second flange52is also disposed parallel relative to the plate28. The plate28, first wall34and the first flange46are of a Z-shaped transverse cross section. Similarly, the plate28, second wall40and the second flange52are also of a Z-shaped transverse cross section. Moreover, the first flange46includes a first portion96which extends from the first termination48of the first flange46. Also, a second portion98extends from the second termination50of the first flange46such that the first and second portions96and98define therebetween a gap100. In a similar manner, the second flange52includes a first part102which extends from the first side54of the second flange52. Also, a second part104extends from the second side56of the second flange52, the first and second parts102and104defining therebetween a further gap106.

As shown inFIG. 2, the further wall58has a sinuous or curve shaped configuration and includes a first fastener108which extends through the hole66for engagement with the aligned one of the apertures20for securing the first ear64to the first member12. Furthermore, a second fastener110extends through the further hole70for engagement with the aligned aperture21for securing the second ear68to the second member14.

The first tab72is disposed adjacent to the second end38of the first wall34and the second tab74is disposed adjacent to the second extremity44of the second wall40. The first hook78of the first interlocking tab76is disposed adjacent to the first end36of the first wall34and the second hook82of the second interlocking tab80is disposed adjacent to the first extremity42of the second wall40.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the arrangement is such that the hooks78and82respectively when located within the respective attachment slots24and25reinforce a connection between the caster device10and the frame16so that dislodgement of the caster device10from the frame16is inhibited. Moreover, the first hook78when located within the respective slot24, effectively locks the first interlocking tab76relative to the first member12. Also, the second hook82when located within the respective slot25effectively locks the second interlocking tab80relative to the second member14. The arrangement is structured such that the first and second hooks78and80are initially located within their respective slots24and25as indicated by the arrows112and113respectively and are then moved into interlocking engagement with such slots24and25as indicated by the arrows114and115respectively.

In operation of the caster device10according to the present invention, the two tabs72and74are inserted into the attachment slots22and23. The interlocking tabs76and80are located within the attachment slots24and25of the members12and14respectively. The interlocking tabs76and80are then moved within the slots24and25until the hooks78and82engage the edge of the slots24and25respectively so that such interlocking assists in anchoring the caster device10relative to the frame16, as well as provide additional support for the frame16. Finally, the fasteners108and110are aligned through holes66and70with the threaded apertures20and21respectively. The arrangement is such that in the event of the frame16being dropped, the hooks78and82rather than the fasteners108and110take the majority of the shock forces transmitted to the caster device10by the frame16.