WHEEL CASTER

A wheel caster comprising a roller, and a two piece socket, wherein the two piece socket comprises a top housing, having a concave cavity to accept the roller in a freely rotatable configuration, a stem, to be inserted inside a leg of an object, and a bottom housing comprising an opening to allow a portion of the roller to extend below the bottom housing allowing the roller to contact a surface.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate, in general, to a wheel caster and, more particularly, to a center mounted spherical wheel caster for various applications such as, but not limited to, a marine dock/boarding stairs.

BACKGROUND

Numerous wheel casters are adapted to use a wheel rotably mounted within a housing which is attached under an object to make it easier to move. Currently, 360 degree rotating offset wheels are used on all known wheeled systems. However, such wheels often include a swivel mechanism subject to multiple points of failure, including, but not limited to, a failure associated with an excess swivel offset, and kingbolt/rivet failures. These wheels are often heavier in weight and can apply a large amount of stress to a surface on which they are being moved.

Moreover, the small diameters of the conventional wheels makes negotiating even small obstacles difficult. However, increasing a diameter of the wheels creates a destabilizing effect by raising the center of mass of a load carried by the wheels. In some conventional wheel casters, movement is also restricted in some directions, which can further cause trouble while navigating a load from one place to another.

Thus, there is a need for a simpler and easy to operate wheel caster that can be used to easily navigate an object in any direction.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a wheel caster comprising a roller within a socket. In some embodiments of the present invention, the roller comprises a solid sphere. The roller may also comprise a plurality of semi-spherical balls connected to one another. Further, the wheel caster comprises a two piece socket, wherein the two piece socket comprises a top housing, having a concave cavity to accept the roller in a freely rotatable configuration. Further, the top housing comprises a stem, to be inserted inside a leg of an object, wherein an O-ring is wrapped along a circumference of the stem within a notch. Further, the top housing comprising a plurality of top connection sockets protruding horizontally outwards from a base of the top housing. The two piece socket further comprising a bottom housing, having a plurality of bottom connection sockets, to accept a plurality of fasteners to attach the bottom housing with the top housing when each of the bottom connection sockets are aligned with each of the top connection sockets.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a wheel caster comprising a roller, having a plurality of semi-spherical balls connected to one another. Further, the wheel caster comprises a two piece socket, wherein the two piece socket comprises a top housing having a concave cavity to accept the roller in a freely rotatable configuration. Further, the top housing comprises a stem to be inserted inside a leg of an object, wherein an O-ring is wrapped along a circumference of the stem within a notch having a height of 0.125 inch and a depth of 0.938 inch with respect to an outer surface of the stem. Further, the top housing comprises a plurality of top connection sockets protruding from a base of the top housing. The two piece socket further comprises a bottom housing, having a plurality of bottom connection sockets, to accept a plurality of fasteners to attach the bottom housing with the top housing when each of the bottom connection sockets are aligned with each of the top connection sockets.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a wheel caster comprising a roller within a socket. Further, the wheel caster comprises a two piece socket, wherein the two piece socket comprises a top housing attachably detached to a bottom housing forming a concave cavity to accept the roller in a freely rotatable configuration and a bottom housing. Further, the top housing comprises a stem, to be inserted inside a leg of an object, wherein an O-ring is wrapped along a circumference of the stem.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a wheel caster comprising a roller, having a plurality of semi-spherical balls connected to one another. Further, the wheel caster comprises a two piece socket comprising a top housing, having a concave cavity to accept the roller in a freely rotatable configuration. Further, the top housing comprises a stem, to be inserted inside a leg of an object, wherein an O-ring is wrapped along a circumference of the stem within a notch and a ring having a plurality of top connection sockets. Further, the two piece socket comprising a bottom housing, having a plurality of bottom connection sockets, to accept a plurality of fasteners to attach the bottom housing with the top housing when each of the bottom connection sockets are aligned with each of the top connection sockets.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel caster having a spherical roller that allows a movement of the wheel caster in any direction and even on uneven surfaces. Next, embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel caster having an improved shear strength. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel caster having a lower number of components that can be easily cleaned and serviced.

Also, embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel caster designed specifically for a stress of weight of passengers ingress/egress on and off of a boat, as well as an ongoing rocking motion off a boat-dock combination due to different conditions, such as, but not limited to, wind, tides, etc. Further, the wheel caster of the present invention eliminates failures associated with an excess swivel offset and kingbolt/rivet failures. Embodiments of the present invention provide a bottom housing having a smooth inner surface similar to the inner surface of a top housing to reduce friction caused between the inner surface of the bottom housing and a freely rotatable roller.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Aillustrates a front view of a wheel caster100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster100may be a wheel assembly that may allow a smooth movement of an object to which the wheel caster100is attached. According to embodiments of the present invention, the object may be, but not limited to, a chair, a ladder, a stool, a medical equipment, a cart, a marine stair, a wheeled vehicle, an unpowered vehicle, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the object, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may require to be moved from one place to another. Further, the surface may be, but not limited to, a flat surface, a smooth surface, an uneven surface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the surface, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheel caster100may comprise a two piece socket102that may be capable of fixedly holding a freely rotatable roller104(hereinafter referred to as the roller104) in an assembled configuration. Further, the two piece socket102may comprise a top housing106, and a bottom housing108that may be connected to one another to form the assembled configuration of the two piece socket102for holding the roller104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing106, and the bottom housing108in the assembled configuration of the two piece socket102may hold the roller104such that a portion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing108allowing the roller104to contact the surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an inner surface of the top housing106may include at least a small center mount Teflon insert (not shown) at an underside of the top housing106. The Teflon insert may engage with the roller104such that the Teflon insert reduces friction between the roller104, and the inner surface of the top housing106. Similarly, the bottom housing108may include a Teflon insert (not shown) at the inner surface of the bottom housing108. The Teflon insert may engage with the roller104such that the Teflon insert reduces friction between the roller104, and the inner surface of the bottom housing108.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the roller104may be a spherical ball that may be capable of rotating freely within the two piece socket102when the top housing106, and the bottom housing108are connected to one another to form the assembled configuration of the two piece socket102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the roller104may be solid or formed by two hollow semi spherical balls that may be attachably detached to one another forming the roller104. The roller104may be formed by a plurality of hollow semi spherical balls that may be attachably detached to one another forming the roller104, in another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hollow semi spherical balls may be attached to one another using a fastener (not shown). The fastener may be, but not limited to, a screw, a drive screw, an eye bolt, a drywall crew, a decking screw, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fastener, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hollow semi spherical balls may be attached to one another using a snap fit mechanism (not shown). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hollow semi spherical balls may be capable of screwing together using a built in fastening mechanism (not shown). Further, the plurality of hollow semi spherical balls may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a Teflon, a ceramic, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hollow semi spherical balls may be made up of a stainless steel. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for making the hollow semi spherical balls, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials that may provide a durability to the roller104.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing106of the two piece socket102may be a semi-spherical shaped rigid structure. The top housing106may comprise, but not limited to, a body110, a base112, a stem114, a support116, a plurality of support arms118a-118n(hereinafter referred to as the support arms118), and a plurality of top connection sockets120a-120d(hereinafter referred to as the connection sockets120). In an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing106may be fabricated through a molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a rubber, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover type of the material for the molding of the top housing106, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base112, the stem114, the support116, the support arms118, and the top connection sockets120may be integrally molded with the body110as one single piece to form the top housing106. In another embodiment of the present invention, the body110, the base112, the stem114, the support116, support arms118, and the top connection sockets120may be molded as a plurality of separate pieces that may be assembled to form the top housing106.

The body110of the top housing106may be a semi-spherical shaped structure having a concave cavity (not shown) that may be capable of accepting the roller104such that the roller104is freely rotatable within the concave cavity. According to embodiments of the present invention, the roller104may have a 360 degree angle of rotation with respect to the two piece socket102to allow the roller104to be moved in any direction and on any type of the surface. Further, the body110may support other components of the top housing106, according to embodiments of the present invention. The base112of the top housing106may be a ring shaped structure that may have a diameter greater than the body110. Further, the base112may extend horizontally outwards from the body110forming a ledge, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem114may be a connecting structure attached to a proximal end122of the body110for fixedly engaging the wheel caster100within an object such as, but not limited to, a leg of the object (not shown). A shape of the stem114may be, but not limited to, a cylinder, a square, a rectangle, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the stem114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the stem114may comprise a notched aluminum pin (not shown) that may be embedded within the stem114during the molding process, which may be capable of providing an improved shear strength to the stem114, in an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the stem114may comprise an O-ring124wrapped along a circumference of the stem114onto a notch (not shown) that may enable a secure fit of the wheel caster100within the leg of the object to which the wheel caster100is attached. According to embodiments of the present invention, the O-ring124may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a plastic, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the O-ring124, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials.

Further, the proximal end122of the body110may comprise the support116that may be provided to act as a stopper for the leg of the object attached to the wheel caster100, in an embodiment of the present invention. The support116that may also be attached to a distal end of the stem114, which restricts a movement of the leg of the object. The support116may be a washer, in an embodiment of the present invention. The support116may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel, a copper, an iron, an aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the support116, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support116may be further attached to the support arms118. Each of the support arms118may be a v-shaped arm having a bottom edge and a vertical side edge. Further, the bottom edge of each of the support arms118may be attached to a top surface of the body110, and the vertical side edge of each of the support arms118may be attached to the stem114forming a webbing around the stem114, in an embodiment of the present invention.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the top connection sockets120may be a semi cylindrical socket that may be protruded horizontally outwards from the ledge of the base112. Further, the top connection sockets120may have a threaded cavity (not shown) pointing in a downward direction that may be capable of accepting a plurality of fasteners126a-126d(hereinafter referred to as the fasteners126). According to embodiments of the present invention, the fasteners126may be, but not limited to, a screw, a drive screw, an eye bolt, a drywall crew, a decking screw, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fasteners126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.

FIG. 1Billustrates a bottom perspective view of the wheel caster100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster100may comprise the two piece socket102that may be capable of fixedly holding the roller104in the assembled configuration. Further, the two piece socket102may comprise the top housing106, as explained above in conjunction with theFIG. 1A. Furthermore, the two piece socket102may comprise the bottom housing108that may be connected to the top housing106to form the assembled configuration of the two piece socket102for holding the roller104within the concave cavity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom housing108may be a circular shaped rigid structure. The structure of the bottom housing108may be fabricated through the molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the molding of the bottom housing108, including known, related art, and/or a later developed materials. Further, the bottom housing108may comprise a ring128, a plurality of bottom connection sockets130a-130d(hereinafter referred to as the bottom connection sockets130), and a support lip132, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The ring128may be a circular shaped structure that may be provided to support the bottom connection sockets130, and the support lip132, in an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom connection sockets130may be a semi cylindrical socket that may be protruded horizontally outwards from an outer surface of the ring128. Further, the bottom connection sockets130may comprise a hole (not shown) that may be capable of accepting the fasteners126for attaching the bottom housing108with the top housing106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the bottom connection sockets130may be first aligned with the top connection sockets120and then accepts the fasteners126to assemble the two piece socket102.

The support lip132may be an L-shaped lip that may be extending vertically downwards from the ring128forming a horizontal ledge with the ring128, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the support lip132may have a diameter that may be smaller than a diameter of the ring128such that the support lip132encloses the roller104within the two piece socket102when the top housing106and the bottom housing108are attached to one another, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a front view of a wheel caster200with a leg of an object, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster200may comprise a two piece socket202, and the roller104. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two piece socket202may comprise a top housing204, and a bottom housing206that may be connected to one another to form an assembled configuration of the two piece socket202for holding the roller104. Further, the top housing204and the bottom housing206in the assembled configuration of the two piece socket202may hold the roller104such that a portion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing206allowing the roller104to contact a surface. In other embodiments of the present invention, the assembled configuration of the two piece socket202may hold the roller104allowing a ¼thportion of the roller104to contact a surface. According to embodiments of the present invention, the roller104may be a spherical ball, as explained above in conjunction with theFIG. 1A.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing204of the two piece socket202may be a semi-spherical shaped rigid structure that may comprise a body208, a stem210, a support212, a plurality of support arms214a-214n(hereinafter referred to as the support arms214), and a plurality of top connection sockets216a-216d(hereinafter referred to as the connection sockets216). In an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing204may be fabricated through a molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top housing204may be made up of recycled polyethylene plastic. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the molding of the top housing204, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem210, the support212, the support arms214, and the top connection sockets216may be integrally molded with the body208as one single piece to form the top housing204. In another embodiment of the present invention, the body208, the stem210, the support212, the support arms214, and the top connection sockets216may be molded as a plurality of separate pieces assembled together to form the top housing204.

The body208of the top housing204may be a semi-spherical shaped structure when combined with the bottom housing206may create a concave cavity238(as shown inFIG. 2F). The concave cavity238may be capable of accepting the roller104such that the roller104is freely rotatable within the concave cavity238. Further, the roller104may have a 360 degree angle of rotation with respect to the two piece socket202to allow the roller104to be moved in any direction and on any type of the surface. The body208may be further capable of supporting other components of the top housing204, according to embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem210may be a connecting structure that may be attached to a proximal end218of the body208for fixedly engaging the wheel caster100within a leg220of an object (not shown). Further, the stem210may be a centrally mounted structure having a shape such as, but not limited to, a cylinder, a square, a rectangle, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the shape of the stem210, including known, related art, and/or a later developed technologies. Further, the stem210may comprise a proximal end222, and a distal end224, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the proximal end222of the stem210may comprise a notch226that may be designed to fixedly couple the stem210within the leg220of the object when the wheel caster200is snapped and locked within the leg220by pushing the stem210of the wheel caster200into the leg220, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the stem210may comprise an O-ring124(as shown in theFIG. 1A) wrapped along a circumference of the stem210within the notch226to enable a secure fit of the wheel caster100within the leg220of the object to which the wheel caster100is attached. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem210may comprise a notched aluminum pin (not shown) that may be embedded within the stem210during the molding process, which may be capable of providing an improved shear strength to the stem210.

Further, the distal end224of the stem210may be attached to the support212that may be provided to act as a stopper for the leg220of the object attached to the wheel caster200, in an embodiment of the present invention. The support212may be a washer that may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel, a copper, an iron, an aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover type of the material for the support212, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support212may be further attached to the support arms214such that each of the support arms214may be a v-shaped arm having a bottom edge and a vertical side edge. Further, the bottom edge of the support arms214may be attached to a top surface of the body208and the vertical side edge of the support arms214may be attached to the stem210forming a webbing around the stem210to impart strength to the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the top connection sockets216may be a semi cylindrical socket that may be protruded horizontally outwards along a circumference of the body208near a bottom end. Further, the top connection sockets216may have a plurality of threaded cavity227a-227d(hereinafter referred to as the threaded cavity227), as shown inFIG. 2E, pointing in a downward direction, which may be capable of accepting a plurality of fasteners228a-228d(hereinafter referred to as the fasteners228) for connecting the top housing204with the bottom housing206, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the fasteners228may be, but not limited to, a screw, a drive screw, an eye bolt, a drywall crew, a decking screw, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fasteners228, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing204and the bottom housing206may be attached with one another through a locking mechanism such as, but not limited to, a snap lock, a rivet, a twist lock, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the locking mechanism, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom housing206of the two piece socket202may be a circular shaped rigid structure that may be fabricated through the molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the molding of the bottom housing206, including known, related art, and/or a later developed materials. Further, the bottom housing206may comprise a ring230, a plurality of bottom connection sockets232a-232d(hereinafter referred to as the bottom connection sockets232), and a support lip234, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The ring230may be a circular shaped structure that may be provided to support the bottom connection sockets232and the support lip234, in an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom connection sockets232may be a semi cylindrical socket that may be protruded horizontally outwards from an outer surface along a circumference of the ring230. Further, the bottom connection sockets232may comprise a plurality of holes235a-235d(hereinafter referred to as the hole235), as shown inFIG. 2G, which may be capable of accepting the fasteners228for attaching the bottom housing206with the top housing204, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support lip234may be an L-shaped lip that may be extending vertically downwards from the ring230forming a horizontal ledge with the ring230, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the support lip234may have a diameter that may be smaller than a diameter of the ring230such that the support lip234encloses the roller104within the two piece socket202when the top housing204and the bottom housing206are attached to one another, according to embodiments of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom housing206may comprise a wiper236. The wiper236may be made of a material such as, but not limited to, a polyethylene plastic, a synthetic material, a rubber, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the wiper236, including known, related art, and/or a later developed materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wiper236may be removably attached to the bottom housing206to restrict debris and dust from entering the two piece socket202. Further, the wiper236may be positioned along the circumference of the ring230of the bottom housing206. The wiper236may further comprise a plurality of feathers (not shown) that may enable a cleaning of the roller104while the roller104rotates inside the two piece socket202, according to embodiments of the present invention. Further, the feathers may extend vertically downwards from the wiper236, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, an edge of the support lip234of the bottom housing206may create a wiping effect to prevent dirt, and dust from entering the wheel caster200.

FIG. 2Billustrates a bottom view of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster200comprises the two piece socket202(as shown in theFIG. 2A), and the roller104. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two piece socket202may comprise the top housing204and the bottom housing206(as shown in theFIG. 2A) that may be connected to one another using the fasteners228for holding the roller104. Further, the top housing204and the bottom housing206in the assembled configuration of the two piece socket202may hold the roller104such that a portion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing206allowing the roller104to contact the surface. In another embodiment of the present invention the two piece socket202may hold the roller104such that a ¼thportion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing206allowing the roller104to contact the surface.

FIG. 2Cillustrates a left side perspective view of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster200comprises the top housing204and the bottom housing206that may be connected to one another using the fasteners228for holding the roller104. Further, the top housing204may comprise the stem210that may be provided to attach the wheel caster200to the leg220of the object, as discussed above in conjunction with theFIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2Dillustrates another left side view of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster200may be assembled by attaching the top housing204and the bottom housing206together using the fasteners228. Further, the assembled wheel caster200may hold the roller104such that a portion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing206allowing the roller104to contact the surface. In another embodiment of the present invention the two piece socket202may hold the roller104such that a ¼thportion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing206allowing the roller104to contact the surface. Furthermore, the stem210may be provided to attach the wheel caster200to the leg220(as shown in theFIG. 2A) of the object by inserting the stem210into the leg220of the object, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2Eillustrates a bottom view of the top housing204of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top housing204may comprise the body208, the stem210, the support212, the support arms214, and the top connection sockets216. The body208of the top housing204may be capable of accepting the roller104such that the roller104is freely rotatable within the concave cavity238(as shown in theFIG. 2F). In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem210may be attached to the body208for fixedly engaging the wheel caster200within the leg220(as shown in theFIG. 2A) of the object. Further, the stem210may be attached to the support212that may be provided to act as the stopper for the leg220of the object attached to the wheel caster200, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support212may be further attached to the support arms214that may be molded such that the support arms214extend into the concave cavity238. The support arms214may be further capable of providing a separation between the roller104and an inner surface of the body208when the roller104is held within the concave cavity238of the top housing204, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the top connection sockets216may be provided to attach the top housing204, with the bottom housing206using the fasteners228(as shown in theFIG. 2A). Further, the top connection sockets216may have the threaded cavity227pointing in the downward direction that may be capable of accepting the fasteners228, in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2Fillustrates a right side perspective view of the top housing204of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top housing204may comprise the body208, the stem210, the support212, the support arms214, and the top connection sockets216, as discussed above in conjunction with theFIG. 2A. Further, the top connection sockets216may have the threaded cavity227pointing in the downward direction that may be capable of accepting the fasteners228, in an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the body208of the top housing204may comprise the concave cavity238that may be capable of accepting the roller104such that the roller104is freely rotatable within the top housing204, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2Gillustrates a bottom view of the bottom housing206of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom housing206may comprise the ring230, the bottom connection sockets232, and the support lip234, as discussed above in conjunction with theFIG. 2A. Further, the bottom connection sockets232may comprise the hole235that may be capable of accepting the fasteners228(as shown in theFIG. 2A) for attaching the bottom housing206with the top housing204, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2Hillustrates dimensions of the wheel caster200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A height of the wheel caster200may be 6.30 inches and a width of the wheel caster200may be 5.88 inches, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the top housing204may have an internal diameter of 4.10 inches. The top housing204may further comprise the stem210having a height of 1.5 inches, and a width of 0.87 inches. The stem210may further comprise the notch226having a height of 0.125 inch. Further, the notch226may have a depth of 0.938 inch with respect to an outer surface of the stem210, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the roller104may have a diameter of 4.00 inches. Further, the top connection sockets216and the bottom connection sockets232may have a height of 0.5 inches. Further, the top connection sockets216may comprise the threaded cavity227having a diameter of 0.22 inch, in an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom connection sockets232may comprise the hole235having a diameter of 0.27 inch, in an embodiment of the present invention. A height of the support lip234of the bottom housing206may be 0.85 inch, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a front view of a wheel caster300, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wheel caster300may comprises a two piece socket302and the roller104. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two piece socket302may comprise a top housing304and a bottom housing306that may be connected to one another to form an assembled configuration of the two piece socket302for holding the roller104. Further, the top housing304and the bottom housing306in the assembled configuration of the two piece socket302may hold the roller104such that a ¼thportion of the roller104may extend below the bottom housing306allowing the roller104to contact a surface. According to embodiments of the present invention, the roller104may be a spherical ball as explained above in conjunction with theFIG. 1A.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing304of the two piece socket302may be a semi-spherical shaped rigid structure that may comprise a body308, a stem310, a support312, a plurality of support arms314a-314n(hereinafter referred to as the support arms314), and a base316. In an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing304may be fabricated through a molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the molding of the top housing304, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem310, the support312, the support arms314, and the base316may be integrally molded with the body308as one single piece to form the top housing304. In another embodiment of the present invention, the body308, the stem310, the support312, the support arms314, and the base316may be molded as a plurality of separate pieces that may be assembled to form the top housing304.

The body308of the top housing304may be a semi-spherical shaped structure having a concave cavity (not shown) that may be capable of accepting the roller104such that the roller104is freely rotatable within the concave cavity. The roller104may have a 360 degree angle of rotation with respect to the two piece socket302to allow the roller104to be moved in any direction and on any of the surface. The body308may be further capable of supporting other components of the top housing304, according to embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem310may be a rigid connecting structure that may be attached to a proximal end318of the body308for fixedly engaging the wheel caster300within the leg220(as shown in theFIG. 2A) of the object (not shown). Further, the stem310may be a centrally mounted structure having a shape such as, but not limited to, a cylinder, a square, a rectangle, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover type of the shape of the stem310, including known, related art, and/or a later developed technologies. Further, the stem310may comprise a proximal end320and a distal end322, in an embodiment of the present invention. The proximal end320of the stem310may comprise a notch324that may be designed to fixedly couple the wheel caster300with the leg220of the object when the wheel caster300is snapped and locked within the leg220by pushing the stem310into leg220, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the stem310may comprise an O-ring124(as shown in theFIG. 1A) wrapped along a circumference of the stem310within the notch324to enable a secure fit of the wheel caster300within the leg of the object to which the wheel caster300is attached. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stem310may comprise a notched aluminum pin (not shown) that may be embedded within the stem310during the molding process that may be capable of providing an improved shear strength to the stem310.

Further, the distal end322of the stem310may be attached to the support312that may be provided to act as a stopper for the leg220of the object (not shown) attached to the wheel caster300such that the support312restricts a further movement of the leg220in a downward direction, in an embodiment of the present invention. The support312may be a washer that may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel, a copper, an iron, an aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the support312, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support312may be further attached to the support arms314such that each of the support arms314may be a v-shaped arm having a bottom edge and a vertical side edge. Further, the bottom edge of the support arms314may be attached to a top surface of the body308and the vertical side edge of the support arms314may be attached to the stem310forming a webbing around the stem310to impart strength to the wheel caster300, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the base316may be an L-shaped ledge protruding horizontally outwards from the body308along a circumference of the top housing304. Further, the base316may comprise a plurality of top connection sockets (not shown) that may have a threaded cavity (not shown) pointing in a downward direction that may be capable of accepting a plurality of fasteners326a-326d(hereinafter referred to as the fasteners326) for connecting the top housing304with the bottom housing306, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the fasteners326may be, but not limited to, a screw, a drive screw, an eye bolt, a drywall crew, a decking screw, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fasteners326, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing304and the bottom housing306may be attached with one another through a locking mechanism such as, but not limited to, a snap lock, a rivet, a twist lock, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the locking mechanism, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom housing306of the two piece socket302may be a circular shaped rigid structure that may be fabricated through the molding process by using a material such as, but not limited to, a natural plastic, a synthetic plastic, a metal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover type of the material for the molding of the bottom housing306, including known, related art, and/or a later developed materials. Further, the bottom housing306may comprise a ring328, and a support lip330, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ring328may be a circular shaped structure that may comprise a plurality of bottom connection sockets (not shown) and the support lip330, in an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom connection sockets may be a semi cylindrical socket that may be provided along a circumference of the ring328. Further, the bottom connection sockets may comprise a hole (not shown) that may be capable of accepting the fasteners326for attaching the bottom housing306with the top housing304, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support lip330may be an L-shaped lip that may be extending vertically downwards from the ring328forming a horizontal ledge with the ring328, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the support lip330may have a diameter that may be smaller than a diameter of the ring328such that the support lip330encloses the roller104within the two piece socket302when the top housing304and the bottom housing306are attached to one another, according to embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, an edge of the support lip330of the bottom housing306may create a wiping effect to prevent dirt, and dust from entering the wheel caster300.

FIG. 3Billustrates a top view of the top housing304of the wheel caster300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top housing304may comprise the body308, the stem310, the support312, the support arms314, and the base316as discussed above in conjunction with theFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4illustrates a flowchart of a method400for installing the wheel caster200in an object, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At step402, a user may insert the roller104inside the concave cavity238of the top housing204of the wheel caster200.

Further, at step404, the user may align the bottom housing206with the top housing204such that the bottom connection sockets232and the top connection sockets216aligns with one another.

At step406, the user may insert the fasteners228into the bottom connection sockets232to screw the fasteners228for attaching the bottom housing206with the top housing204.

At step408, the user may insert the stem210of the wheel caster200inside the leg220of the object to fixedly attach the wheel caster200with the object.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein. Further, the foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. Certain exemplary embodiments may be identified by use of an open-ended list that includes wording to indicate that the list items are representative of the embodiments and that the list is not intended to represent a closed list exclusive of further embodiments. Such wording may include “e.g.,” “etc.,” “such as,” “for example,” “and so forth,” “and the like,” etc., and other wording as will be apparent from the surrounding context.