Patent Publication Number: US-2006010646-A1

Title: Low profile caster assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/587,892, filed Jul. 14, 2004. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to casters, and in particular, to a caster assembly with a low profile with respect to a supporting surface.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      As is known, caster wheels are often interconnected to various objects such as furniture, file cabinets, luggage and the like to facilitate the movement of the item along a supporting surface. While these objects are often manufactured with the caster wheels already mounted thereon, the pre-mounting of the caster wheels on an object presents certain unique problems. For example, in order to safely ship an object after the caster wheels have been attached thereto, specialized packaging must be used in order to prevent the caster wheels from being knocked off the article during shipment. This, in turn, increases the overall expense of the article.  
      In view of the foregoing, specialized mounting brackets have been developed to allow for the caster wheels to be attached and/or removed from the bottom surface of the object after the manufacture thereof. While functional for their intended purpose, there are certain inherent problems with the mounting of the caster wheels to the bottom surface of an item. For example, given the weight of certain items such as furniture, the mounting of the caster wheels to the bottom surface thereof may be difficult. Further, when used in connection with heavy objects, it is possible for the caster wheels to be dislodged from the bottom surface of the object as the object is transported over a supporting surface. Finally, space considerations may limit the ability of a user to place the caster wheels under the object due to the height of the caster wheels.  
      Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a caster assembly that is mountable on the bottom surface of an object and that has a low profile with respect to a supporting surface on which the object rests.  
      It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a caster assembly that may be simply and easily connected to an object.  
      It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a caster assembly that is mountable to the bottom surface of an object to allow the object to be transported over a supporting surface in a user desired direction.  
      In accordance with a present invention, a low profile caster assembly is provided. The low profile caster assembly including a base having a central axis extending generally perpendicular to the base. A first caster wheel is operatively connected to the base and has a first side engageable with a supporting surface and a second side. The first caster wheel is rotatable about a first axis that is at an acute angle to the central axis.  
      A first support is operatively connected to the base and is rotatable about the central axis. The first caster wheel is rotatably connected to the first support. A second caster wheel is operatively connected to the base and has a first side engageable with the supporting surface and a second side. The second caster wheel is rotatable about a second axis. It is contemplated for the second axis to be at an acute angle to the central axis. A second support is operatively connected to the base and is rotatable about the central axis. The second caster wheel is rotatably connected to the second support.  
      In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a low profile caster assembly is provided. The low profile caster assembly includes a generally flat base having a central axis extending generally perpendicular thereto. A first support is operatively connected to the base and is rotatable about the central axis. A first caster wheel is operatively connected to the first support and has a first side engageable with a supporting surface and a second side. The first caster wheel is rotatable about a first axis at a predetermined angle to the central axis.  
      The first axis may be generally parallel to the central axis or may be at an acute angle to the central axis. A second caster wheel is operatively connected to the base and has a first side engageable with the supporting surface and a second side. The second caster wheel is rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is at an acute angle to the central axis. A second support is operatively connected to the base and is rotatable about the central axis. The second caster wheel is rotatably connected to the second support.  
      In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a low profile caster assembly. The low profile caster assembly includes a base having a central axis extending generally perpendicular thereto. A first support is operatively connected to the base. The first support is movable about the central axis along a first predetermined path. A first caster wheel is operatively connected to the first support and has a first side engageable with a supporting surface and a second side adjacent the first support. The first caster wheel is rotatable about a first axis at a predetermined angle to the central axis.  
      The first support has a generally flat first side directed toward the base and second side lying in a plane perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an acute angle to the central axis. The low profile caster assembly may also include a second support operatively connected to the base and a second caster wheel. The second support is movable about the central axis along a second predetermined path. The second caster wheel is operatively connected to the second support and has a first side engageable with the supporting surface and a second side adjacent the second support. The second caster wheel is rotatable about a second axis at a predetermined angle to the central axis. It is contemplated for the second axis to be at an acute angle to the central axis. The first side of the first castor wheel has a generally flat central portion having a radially outer periphery and an angled portion extending radially from the outer periphery at an acute angle to the first axis. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as other which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.  
      In the drawings:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an object supported by a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  schematically illustrates an exploded isometric to view of a first embodiment of a caster assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a detailed isometric top view of the caster assembly as shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a partial cut-away first side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a top view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a second side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a detailed isometric top view of another embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a partial cut-away first side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a top view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 10  schematically illustrates a second side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a cut away view of a third embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a cut away view of a fourth embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 13  schematically illustrates an exploded isometric top view of a fifth embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  schematically illustrates an isometric top view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a cutaway first side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 16 a  top view of the caster assembly illustrated in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 17  schematically illustrates a second side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 18  schematically illustrates a detailed isometric top view of a sixth embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 19  schematically illustrates a cutaway first side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 18 ;  
       FIG. 20  schematically illustrates an isometric top view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 18 ;  
       FIG. 21  schematically illustrates a second side elevation view of the caster assembly shown in  FIG. 18 ;  
       FIGS. 22   a - e  illustrates various alternative embodiments of the caster assemblies in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of a still further embodiment of a caster assembly of the present invention in a first configuration;  
       FIG. 24  is a bottom plan view of the caster assembly of  FIG. 23  in a second configuration;  
       FIG. 25  is an exploded view of a portion of the caster assembly of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 26  is an exploded view of a first caster of the caster assembly of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 27  is an exploded view of a second caster of the caster assembly of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the caster assembly of the present invention taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of a caster assembly of the present invention taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 31  is a bottom plan view of a still further embodiment of the caster assembly of the present invention;  
       FIG. 32  is a side elevational view of a caster assembly of  FIG. 31 ; and  
       FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of a caster assembly of the present invention taken along line  33 - 33  of  FIG. 31 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      A wide variety of loads could be constructed with the caster assembly in accordance with the present invention and as defined by the claims. Hence the preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to an object, where the object can be a leg of an article of furniture, a file cabinet, a machinery, etc. and is not limiting on the invention.  
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an object  50  supported on a first embodiment of a caster assembly  55  in accordance with the present invention. The caster assembly  55  is designed with a low profile and the ability to support heavy loads.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , the caster assembly  55  generally includes a swivel plate  60  in rotational support of a caster body  65 . The swivel plate  60  can be attached to the object  50  by various known means (e.g., adhesive, screw fasteners, etc.) and is not limiting on the invention. The caster body  65  includes an offset portion  70  that is rotationally coupled by an axle  72  (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.) to the swivel plate  60 . The offset portion  70  can be manufactured separately or integrated with the caster body  65 . The offset portion  70  generally aligns the caster body  65  at an offset distance from a central axis  74  of the swivel plate  60 . The illustrated axle  72  includes a threaded screw having a shoulder type head portion, but the type of axle (e.g., rivet, etc.) can vary. The swivel plate  60  can include a central bore or hole that is configured to counterbore the head portion of the axle  72  sufficient for a sliding fit to the object  50 .  
      The caster assembly  55  further includes a first and a second swivel plate bushing  75   a  and  75   b  located between the caster body  65  and the swivel plate  60 . Each swivel plate bushing  75   a  and  75   b  is preferably rectangular shaped, but the shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, etc.) of the swivel plate bushings  75   a  and  75   b  can vary. The swivel plate bushings  75   a  and  75   b  are comprised of low friction coefficient material that enhances rotation of the caster body  65  with respect to the swivel plate  60  under a load  76  associated with the object  50 . The swivel plate  60  includes a first axle opening  80  and the offset portion  70  includes a second axle opening  85  to receive the axle  72 . The caster assembly  55  can further include a washer  86  to reduce rotational friction between the offset portion  70  and the swivel plate  60 . The axle  72  allows the caster body  65  to rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane with respect to the swivel plate  60 . The illustrated offset portion  70  of the caster body  65  shows a threaded opening  85  configured to receive the axle  72 , yet the opening  85  can otherwise be unthreaded to receive a rivet or the like.  
      The caster body  65  is generally rectangular shaped and is defined by a central longitudinal axis  88 . The caster body  65  generally includes an inner region  90  of a first thickness and a pair of wing portion  95  that tapers to a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The taper or angle of the wing portions  95  with respect to horizontal is generally shallow but can vary. The caster body  65  further includes a first and a second recessed portion  100   a  and  100   b  configured to receive the swivel plate bushings  75   a  and  75   b , respectively.  
      Still referring to  FIGS. 2-6 , the caster assembly  55  further includes a first wheel  110  and a second wheel  115  each rotationally coupled by a first axle  116  and a second axle  118 , respectively, to the caster body  65 . The first wheel  110  is located on one side of the central longitudinal axis  88  of the caster body  65  and the second wheel  115  is located on the other side of the central longitudinal axis  88  opposite the first wheel  110 . Each wheel  110  and  115  is mounted to the winged portions  95  of the caster body  65  such that the axles  116  and  118  that supports each wheel  110  and  115  is positioned at an angle with respect to vertical and that is associated to the taper or angle of the wing portions  95  with respect to horizontal.  
      The caster assembly  55  further includes a caster bushing  120  located between the caster body  65  and each wheel  110  and  115 . The caster bushing  120  is illustrated as a single rectangular shaped, integrated piece having a generally curved outer surface and an inner portion that tapers to an outer end portion. The caster bushing  120  is attached to inner region  90  of the caster body  65  using various known fastening means (e.g., adhesives, screws, etc.).  
      The offset portion  70  of the caster assembly  55  allows the object  50  e.g., article of furniture, to be steered on the caster assembly  55  simply by applying a force at any angle in the plane of the swivel plate  60 . The caster assembly  55  has the unique load bearing capability because the load is directly supported by a lamination of the swivel plate  60 , the swivel plate bushings  75   a  and  75   b , the caster body  65 , the caster bushing  120  and the wheels  110  and  115  comprised of solid materials. Some of these materials have a low coefficient of friction, which allows each wheel  110  and  15  to move or rotate across the very broad low bearing surface. The individual loads on each axle  116  and  118  of each wheel  110  and  115  of the caster assembly  55  ranges from 0 to 20 percent of the total load of the object. The wheels  110  and  115  are placed at a shallow angle with respect to horizontal and in relationship to the floor. The shallow angle of the wheel assembly allows a smaller diameter of wheel to assume the floor contact of a much larger wheel. This feature allows the smaller caster assembly to bridge over cracks or rough surfaces that otherwise only a larger wheel caster assembly (not shown) is able to do.  
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate a second embodiment of a caster assembly  155  in accordance with the present invention. The caster assembly  155  generally includes a platform plate  160  configured to attach to an object (not shown) such as a leg of an article of furniture. In contrast to the caster assembly  55  described above, the caster assembly  155  includes a caster body platform  165  fixedly attached to the platform plate  160 . Moreover, the caster body platform  165  is generally centrally position on the platform plate  160 . The preferred caster body platform  165  includes an inner portion  170  having a first thickness and a pair of outer wing portions  175  having a second thickness less than the first thickness of the inner portion  170 . Accordingly, the outer wing portion  175  is beveled at an angle with respect to horizontal. A first wheel  180  having first axle  185  and a second wheel  190  having a second axle  195  are rotationally mounted to the outer wing portions  175  of the caster body platform  165  in a manner similar to the wheels  100  and  115  described above. Accordingly, each wheel  180  and  190  is mounted at an angle with respect to vertical that is associated with the beveled angle of the outer wing portion  175  of the body platform  165 . The caster assembly  155  further includes a platform bushing  200  disposed between the caster body platform  165  and the outer wing portion  175  of each wheel  180  and  190 . The platform bushing  200  is comprised of low coefficient of friction material in a manner similar to the swivel plate bushing  75   a  and  75   b  and the caster bushing  120  described above.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a caster assembly  255  having a swivel plate  260 , a caster body  265 , a swivel plate bushing  275   a  and  275   b , a first wheel  310  and a second wheel  315 , and a caster bushing  320  similar in construction to the caster assembly  55  described above. The first wheel  310  includes an inner radial portion or hub  325  having a first thickness and an outer radial portion  330  having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness of the inner radial portion  325 . A lower surface  335  of the inner radial portion  325  is generally aligned at a shallow angle with respect to a lower surface  340  of the outer radial portion  330  such that a segment of the outer portion&#39;s lower surface  340  is in general horizontal alignment to engage in contact with a flat floor (not shown). The lower surface  340  of the outer radial portion  330  can further include a segment or strip  342  of material having a higher coefficient of friction relative thereto so as to enhance traction or reduce gouging of a floor surface. The upper surface  345  of the outer radial portion  330  of the wheel  310  is generally flat in engagement with the caster bushing  320  disposed between the wheel  310  and the caster body  260 . The bushing  320  includes a first bushing strip  320   a  and a second bushing strip  320   b  that is generally horizontally aligned and flat in engagement between the upper surface  345  of the wheel  310  and an inner portion  350  of the caster body  260 . The preferred second wheel  315  includes an inner radial portion  355  and an outer radial portion  360 . However, a lower surface  365  of the outer radial portion  360  is generally curvilinear-shaped. The outer radial portions of the wheels  310  and  315  can further include a beveled edge  375  to enhance ease of rotation with respect to the bushing strips  320   a  and  320   b.    
       FIG. 12  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a caster assembly  455  having a swivel plate  460 , a caster body  465 , a swivel plate bushing  475   a  and  475   b , a first wheel  510  and a second wheel  515 , and a caster bushing  520   a  and  520   b  similar in construction to the caster assembly  255  described above. The first wheel  510  includes an inner radial portion or hub  525  having a first thickness and an outer radial portion  530  having a second thickness that is tapered or beveled to a reduced thickness relative to the first thickness of the inner radial portion  525 . An upper surface  545  of the inner radial portion  525  and outer radial portion  530  is generally flat. The lower surface  535  of the inner radial portion  525  is thus aligned at a shallow angle with respect to a lower surface  540  of the outer radial portion  530  such that a segment of the outer portion&#39;s lower surface  540  is in general horizontal alignment to engage in contact with a flat surface or floor (not shown). The caster bushings  520   a  and  520   b  are attached along a beveled outer radial portion  550  of the caster body  465  such that the caster bushings  520   a  and  520   b  are positioned at a shallow angle with respect to horizontal and in general flat alignment with the upper surface of the first wheel  510 . The second wheel  515  is generally constructed with an inner radial portion  555  and a beveled outer radial portion  560  similar to the first wheel  510 . However, the first wheel  515  further includes a hub  570  that is received in a recess  575  in the caster body  465 . The hub  570  provides enhanced ability to absorb forces from right angles to the caster assembly  455 .  
       FIGS. 13-17  schematically illustrate yet another embodiment of a caster assembly  655  in accordance with the present invention. The caster assembly  655  generally includes a swivel plate  660  in support of a caster body  665 , an offset portion  670 , an axle  672 , and a first and a second swivel plate bushing  675   a  and  675   b , respectively, similar in construction to the caster assembly  55  shown in  FIG. 2 . However, instead of wheel assemblies  110  and  115 , the caster assembly  655  includes a first ring  680  and a second ring  685 . The caster assembly  655  further includes a caster bushing  678  attached to the caster body  665 . The caster bushing  678  includes a first recess portion  690  to receive the first ring  680 , and a second recess portion  695  to receive the second ring  685 . The caster bushing  678 , the caster body  665 , and/or the swivel plate bushings  675   a  and  675   b  or combination thereof can be separate components or integrated as a single piece of the same material composition. The caster body  665  includes a first support arm  700  to couple the first ring  680  and a second support arm  705  to couple to the second ring  685  with the caster body  665 . The recess portions  690  and  695  and the first and second support arms  700  and  705  are configured to snap engage the rings  680  and  685  and support the rings  680  and  685  each at an angle with respect to horizontal such that a portion or segment of each of the first and second rings  680  and  685  is engaged in contact with a flat surface (not shown), similar to the wheel assemblies  110  and  115  of the caster assembly  55  described above. The recessed portions  690  and  695  of the caster bushing are configured to receive the rings  680  and  685  in engagement with castor bushings  678 , respectively. The general profile of the caster assembly  655  is such that it assumes floor contact similar to a larger wheel assembly (not shown).  
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate yet another embodiment of a caster assembly  855  having a platform plate  860  fixed attached to a caster body platform  865 , and a caster bushing  878 , a first ring  880  and a second ring  885  in similar construction to the caster assembly  155  shown in  FIG. 7 . The caster assembly  855  further includes a first ring  880  and a second ring  885 , similar to the caster assembly  655  described above. The caster bushing  878  includes a first recess  890  to receive the first ring  880 , and a second recess  895  to receive the second ring  885 . The caster body platform  865  includes a first support arm  900  and a second support arm  905 . The first recess  890  and the first support arm support the first ring  880 , and the second recess  895  and the second support arm  905  support the second ring  885  at an angle with respect to horizontal, similar in construction to the rings  680  and  685  of the caster assembly  655  described above. The caster body platform  865  is fixedly attached to the platform plate  860 , and the caster body platform  865  is generally centrally mounted to the platform plate  860 , similar to the caster assembly  155  described above.  
       FIGS. 22   a - 22   e  generally illustrates various embodiments of caster assemblies having various shapes and profiles of a caster body, a caster bushing(s), and rings.  FIG. 22   a  illustrates a caster assembly  955  having a caster body  965  with a generally trapezoidal-shaped cross-section supported on a generally horizontal aligned caster bushing  978 . The caster assembly  955  is supported on rings  980   a  and  980   b  having a generally flat, curvilinear shaped profile.  FIG. 22   b  illustrates a caster assembly  1055  having a caster body platform  1065  and a caster bushing  1078  supported on a pair of rings  1080   a  and  1080   b . The rings  1080   a  and  1080   b  have a generally flat profile. The curvilinear shaped profile of the rings  980   a  and  980   b  allow the caster assembly  955  to roll easier relative to a caste assembly  1055  with the rings  1080   a  and  1080   b  having the flat profile because as a load may increase, the rings  980   a  and  980   b  flatten out, which increases the load carrying capacity of the caster assembly  955 .  FIG. 22   b  further illustrates the caster platform  1065  having a housing portion  1100  configured to support the rings  1080   a  and  1080   b . The housing portion  1100  can be configured such that the rings  1080   a  and  1080   b  mount by snapping into position on the cast body platform  1065  or by using fasteners (not shown) to attach thereon. The caster body platform  1065 , the caster bushing  1078 , and/or the housing portion  1100  or combination thereof can be integrated and of the same material composition.  FIG. 22   c  illustrates yet another embodiment of a caster assembly  1155  having a caster platform  1165  and/or bushing  1178  in support of a pair of rings  1180   a  and  1180   b  having a generally trapezoidal shaped profile. The caster platform  1165  and/or bushing  1178  is generally configured with recess portions  1190   a  and  1190   b  to receive the wider portion of the trapezoidal shaped profile of the rings  1180   a  and  1180   b  such that no additional supports or fasteners are needed to retain the rings  1180   a  and  1180   b  to the caster assembly  1155 . The narrow portion of the profile of the rings  1180   a  and  1180   b  is configured to be in contact with a floor surface or the like.  FIG. 22   d  illustrates yet another embodiment of a caster assembly  1255  having a caster body platform  1265 , a caster bushing  1278  and a pair of rings  1280   a  and  1280   b . The rings  1280   a  and  1280   b  include a generally barrel-shaped profile with a lower surface that is flat and a generally parallel alignment to engage the floor and a pair of curve linear shaped side portions that are retained by the caster body platform  1265  and/or the bushing  1278 .  FIG. 22   e  illustrates yet another embodiment of caster assembly  1355  having a caster body platform  1365  in support of a pair of rings  1380   a  and  1380   b . The rings  1380   a  and  1380   b  include a generally circular-shaped profile that is retained in recess portions  1390   a  and  1390   b , respectively, of the caster platform  1365 . The  FIGS. 22   a - 22   e  further illustrate that the recess portions of the various embodiments of the caster body platform and/or caster bushings described above can be various profiles to receive the various profiles of rings.  
      The swivel plate bushings and the caster bushings described above can comprise various materials of low friction characteristics such as plastic, oil saturated bronze, etc. The swivel plate bushings and caster bushings can be generally attached using various methods including adhesive, molded, encapsulated by body structure, etc. Moreover, the various embodiments of the swivel plate, the swivel plate bushing, and the caster bushings or combinations thereof can be of the same material composition as the caster body and is not limiting on the invention. Furthermore, the various components and/or combinations thereof the caster assemblies  55 ,  155 ,  255 ,  455 ,  655 ,  855 ,  1055 ,  1155 ,  1255 , and  1355  described above can be separate components or integrated as a single piece of material composition and is not limiting on the invention.  
      Furthermore, one or more aspects and/or features of the embodiments of the caster assemblies  55 ,  155 ,  255 ,  455 ,  655 ,  855 ,  1055 ,  1155 ,  1255 , and  1355  described above can be combined and/or interchanged with other aspects and features of the caster assemblies  55 ,  155 ,  255 ,  455 ,  655 ,  855 ,  1055 ,  1155 ,  1255 , and  1355  and is not limiting on the invention.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 23-30 , a further alternate embodiment of a caster assembly in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Caster assembly  10  includes a generally flat support plate  12  defined by upper and lower surfaces  12   a  and  12   b , respectively, and outer peripheral edge  14 . Support plate  12  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures extending between upper face  12   a  and lower face  12   b  thereof adjacent outer peripheral edge  14 . Apertures  16  are adapted to receive corresponding fasteners, such as screws  18 , therethrough in order to connect support plate  12  to object  13 ,  FIGS. 28-30 , such as an article of furniture, file cabinet, piece of machinery or the like. It can be appreciated that other types of fasteners such as adhesive or nails may be used to interconnect support plate  12  to object  13  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Support plate  12  further includes a central aperture  20  extending along an axis  22  generally perpendicular to support plate  12 . Central aperture  20  through support plate  12  is adapted to receive screw  24 , for reasons hereinafter described.  
      Caster assembly  10  further includes first and second caster wheel assemblies  26  and  28 , respectively. Referring to  FIG. 26 , first caster wheel assembly  26  includes support member  32  having a generally flat upper face  32   a  and an angled lower surface  32   b , for reasons hereinafter described. Central aperture  33  extends between upper face  32   a  and lower face  32   b  along axis  37  and includes an enlarged diameter portion  33   a  and a reduced diameter portion  33   b ,  FIG. 29 . It is contemplated for angled lower face  32   b  of support member  32  to lie in a plane at a predetermined angle to axis  22 . Support member  32  further includes first and second side surfaces  33   a  and  33   b , respectively, interconnected by a generally flat stop surface  34  and an end surface  35 . Stop surface  34  extends between upper and lower faces  32   a  and  32   b , respectively, and has a concave recessed surface  36  provided in a first end thereof. A generally cylindrical shaped ear  38  projects laterally from recessed surface  36 . Ear  38  includes upper and lower surfaces  38   a  and  38   b , respectively, and a central aperture  40  extending therebetween.  
      Caster wheel assembly  26  further includes caster wheel  42  having an upper surface  44  and a lower surface  46 . Upper surface  44  of caster wheel  42  includes a generally cylindrical neck portion  44   a  projecting therefrom and dimensioned for receipt within a corresponding central opening  48  in bearing ring  49 . Bearing ring  49  facilitates rotation of caster wheel  42  about central axis  37 , as hereinafter described. Upper surface  44  of caster wheel  42  further includes a generally flat outer ring portion  51  adapted for engagement with lower surface  49   b  of bearing ring  49 . Lower surface  46  of caster wheel  42  includes a generally flat central portion  53  and an angled portion  54  extending radially from the outer periphery of central portion  53  to outer edge  56  of caster wheel  42 . Caster wheel  42  further includes a central aperture  58  extending along axis  37  having an enlarged diameter portion  58   a  that communicates with lower surface  46  of caster wheel  42  and a reduced diameter portion  58   b  that communicates with upper surface  44  of caster wheel  42 .  
      In order to assemble first caster wheel assembly  26 , upper surface  49   a  of bearing ring  49  is positioned against lower face  32   b  of support member  32  and neck portion  44   a  of upper surface  44  of caster wheel  42  is inserted into central opening  48  through bearing ring  49 . As described, central aperture  33  through support member  32  and central aperture  58  through caster wheel are coaxial along axis  37 . Tubular bushing  61  is inserted into reduced diameter portion  58   b  of opening  58  through caster wheel  42  and into enlarged portion  33   a  of central opening  33  through support member  32 . The shaft of screw  63  extends through bushing  61  and is threaded into the reduced diameter portion  33   b  of central opening  33  through support member  32  such that the head of screw  63  becomes seated in the enlarged diameter portion  58   a  of central opening  58  through caster wheel  42 . As described, caster wheel  42  is free to rotate about axis  37  extending through central opening  58  through caster wheel  42  and through central opening  33  through support member  32 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 27 , second caster wheel assembly  28  includes support member  66  having a generally flat upper face  66   a  and an angled lower surface  66   b , for reasons hereinafter described. Central opening  68  and first and second mounting apertures,  67   a  and  67   b , respectively, extend between upper face  66   a  and lower face  66   b . Central opening  68  extends along axis  69  and includes an enlarged diameter portion  71   a  and a reduced diameter portion  71   b . It is contemplated for angled lower face  66   b  of support member  66  to lie in a plane at a predetermined angle to axis  22 . Support member  66  further includes first and second side surfaces  72   a  and  72   b , respectively, interconnected by a generally flat stop surface  74   a  and an end surface  76   a . Stop surface  74   a  extends between upper and lower faces  66   a  and  66   b , respectively, and has a concave recessed surface  78  provided in a first end thereof. A generally cylindrical shaped ear  79  projects laterally from recessed surface  78 . Ear  79  includes upper and lower surfaces  79   a  and  79   b , respectively, and central aperture  83  extending therebetween.  
      Second caster wheel assembly  28  further includes caster wheel  81  having an upper surface  82  and a lower surface  84 ,  FIG. 29 . Neck portion  82   a  projects from upper surface  82  of caster wheel  81  and is dimensioned for receipt within a corresponding central opening  87  in bearing ring  89 . Bearing ring  89  facilitates rotation of caster wheel  81  about central axis  69 , as hereinafter described. Upper surface  82  of caster wheel  81  further includes a generally flat outer ring portion  92  adapted for engagement with lower surface  89   b  of bearing ring  89 . Lower surface  84  of caster wheel  81  includes a generally flat central portion  94  and an angled portion  96  extending radially from the outer periphery of central portion  94  to the outer edge  98  of caster wheel  81 . Caster wheel  81  further includes a central opening  99  extending along axis  69  that has an enlarged diameter portion  99   a  that communicates with lower surface  84  of caster wheel  81  and a reduced diameter portion  99   b  that communicates with upper surface  82  of caster wheel  81 .  
      In order to assemble second caster wheel assembly  28 , upper surface  89   a  of bearing ring  89  is positioned against lower face  66   b  of support member  66  and neck portion  82   a  of upper surface  82  of caster wheel  81  is inserted into central opening  87  through bearing ring  89 . As described, central aperture  68  through support member  66  and central opening  99  through caster wheel  81  are coaxial with axis  69 . Tubular bushing  101  is inserted into reduced diameter portion  99   b  of central opening  99  through caster wheel  81  and into enlarged portion  71   a  of central aperture  68  through support member  66 . The shaft of screw  102  extends through bushing  101  and is threaded into the reduced diameter portion  71   b  of central aperture  68  through support member  66  such that the head of screw  102  becomes seated in the enlarged diameter portion  99   a  of central opening  99  through caster wheel  81 . As described, caster wheel  81  is free to rotate about axis  69  extending through central opening  99  through caster wheel  81  and through central opening  68  through support member  66 .  
      Referring back to  FIG. 25 , caster assembly  10  is assembled by positioning of upper surface  104   a  of bearing ring against lower surface  12   b  of support plate  12 . Upper alignment disc  106  is received within central opening  108  of bearing disc  104  such that aperture  106   a  through alignment disc  106  is aligned with central opening  20  through support plate  12 . Central opening  112   a  in swivel plate  112  is aligned with central opening  106   a  through alignment disc  106 . Upper surface  114   a  of swivel plate  112  is positioned such that it engages lower surface  104   b  of bearing ring  104 . Central opening  122   a  of lower alignment disc  122  is aligned with central opening  112   a  through swivel plate  112 . Lower alignment disc  122  is positioned such that upper surface  124   a  of lower alignment disc  122  abuts lower surface  114   b  of swivel plate  112 . Bearing ring  124  is positioned about the outer periphery  126  of lower alignment disc  122  such that upper surface  124   a  of bearing ring  124  engages lower surface  114   b  of swivel plate  112 . Upper face  32   a  of support member  32  is positioned against lower surface  124   b  of bearing ring  124  such that central opening  40  through ear  38  is aligned with central opening  122   a  through lower alignment plate  122 . Washer  128  is positioned against lower surface  38   b  of ear  38  such that opening  128   a  through washer  128  is aligned with central opening  40  through ear  38 . Upper surface  79   a  of ear  79  is positioned against washer  128  such that central opening  83  through ear  79  is aligned with opening  128   a  through washer  128 . Screw  24  extends through central opening  83  through ear  79 ; through opening  128   a  in washer  128 ; through central opening  40  in ear  38 , through central opening  122   a  in lower alignment plate  122 ; through central opening  112   a  in swivel plate  112 ; through central opening  106   a  in upper alignment disc  106 ; and into central opening  20  of support plate  12  so as to interconnect the various components of caster assembly  10 . It is contemplated to interconnect second caster wheel assembly  28  to swivel plate  112  by means of bolts  130   a  and  130   b , respectively, that extend through corresponding mounting apertures  67   a  and  67   b , respectively, in support member  66  and into corresponding threaded openings  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, in swivel plate  112 .  
      Once assembled, caster assembly  10  may be mounted to object  13  such as an article of furniture, file cabinet, piece of machinery or the like by screws  18  extending through support plate  12 . As described, swivel plate  12  revolves around axis  22  on bearing ring  104 . As such, second caster wheel assembly  28  rotates with swivel plate  112  about axis  22 . In addition, first caster wheel assembly  26  may also rotated about axis  22  between the first position,  FIG. 23 , wherein stop surface  34  of support member  32  of first caster wheel assembly  26  engages stop surface  74   a  of support member  66  of second caster wheel assembly, and a second position,  FIG. 24 , wherein terminal edge  36   b  of recess surface  36  of support member  32  of first caster wheel assembly  26  engages first side surface  72   a  of support member  66  of second caster wheel assembly  28 . As described, it can be appreciated that caster assembly  10  facilitates the movement of object  13  over a supporting surface or the like.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 31-33 , a still further embodiment of the caster assembly in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  150 . Caster assembly  150  includes a generally flat, triangular support plate generally designed by the reference numeral  152 . Support plate is defined by a generally flat upper surface  154  and a generally flat lower surface  156 . The outer periphery of support plate  152  is partially defined by sides  158   a ,  158   b  and  158   c . Sides  158   a  and  158   b  are interconnected by corner  161   a . Sides  158   b  and  158   c  are interconnected by corner  161   b . Sides  158   c  and  158   a  are interconnected by corner  161   c . Caster assemblies  162  are interconnected to lower surface  156  of support plate  152  adjacent corresponding corners  161   a - 161   c  thereof. Each caster assembly  162  is identical in structure, and as such, the description hereinafter of caster assembly  162  is intended to describe all of the caster assemblies mounted to lower surface  156  of support plate  152   b.    
      Each caster wheel assembly  162  includes support member  164  having a generally flat upper face  164   a  and angled lower face  164   b . Central aperture  166  extends between upper face  164   a  and lower face  164   b  along an axis. Central aperture  166  includes an enlarged diameter portion  168   a  and a reduced diameter portion  168   b . It is contemplated for angled lower face  164   b  to lie in plane at a predetermined angle to an axis extending perpendicularly through support plate  152 . Support member  164  includes first and second side surfaces  171   a  and  171   b , respectively, interconnected by first and second end surfaces  172  and  174 , respectively. First side surface  171   a  includes shoulder  177  formed therein that defines ear  176 . Ear  176  projects and includes a central aperture  178  therethrough, for reasons hereinafter described.  
      Caster wheel assembly  162  further includes caster wheel  181  having an upper surface  182  and a lower surface  184 . Upper surface  182  of caster wheel  181  includes a generally cylindrical neck portion  186  projecting therefrom that is dimensioned for receipt within a corresponding central opening  188  in bearing ring  189 . Bearing ring  189  facilitates rotation of caster wheel  181  about the axis along which central opening  166  extends through support member  164 . Upper surface  182  of caster wheel  181  further includes a generally flat outer ring portion  191  adapted for engagement with lower surface  189   b  of bearing ring  189 . Lower surface  184  of caster wheel  181  includes a generally flat central portion  192  and an angled portion  194  extending radially therefrom. Caster wheel  181  further includes a central aperture having an enlarged diameter portion  196   a  that communicates with lower surface  184  of caster wheel  181  and a reduced diameter portion  196   b  that communicates with upper surface  182  of caster wheel  181 .  
      In order to assemble caster wheel assembly  162 , upper surface  198   a  of bearing ring  198  is position against lower face  156  of support plate  152 . Alignment disc  201  is positioned within central opening  202  of bearing ring  198 . Alignment disc  201  includes a central opening  204  aligned with the corresponding opening  206  in support plate  152 . Central aperture  166  in ear  176  of support member  164  is aligned with central opening  204  in alignment disc  201 . Thereafter, bracket  208  is positioned such that a first lower portion  208   a  is seated on shoulder  177  of support member  164  and such that the opening through first portion  208   a  of bracket  208  is aligned with central aperture  178  through ear  176 . Second portion  208   b  of bracket  208  engages the lower surface  198   b  of bearing ring  198 . As best seen in  FIG. 31 , bracket  208  is defined by first and second ends  210  and  212 , respectively, and first and second sides  214  and  216 , respectively. Side  216  of bracket  208  engages recessed wall  218  in first side surface  171   a  to prevent movement of support member  164  with respect to bracket  208 . It can be appreciated that first and second portions  208   a  and  208   b , respectively, of bracket  208  are separated by vertical sidewall  220  of a height generally equal to the thickness of ear  176 . Screw  222  is inserted through an opening in washer  224 ; through central aperature  178  in ear  176 ; through central opening  204  in alignment disc  201  and into opening  206  in support plate  152 .  
      In order to interconnect caster wheel  181  to support member  164 , upper surface  189   a  of bearing ring  189  is positioned against lower surface  164   b  of support member  164  and neck portion  186  of caster wheel  181  is inserted into central opening  188  in bearing ring  189 . As described, the central aperture of caster wheel  181  and the central aperture  166  through support member  164  are co-axial. Tubular bushing  226  is inserted into a reduced diameter portion  168   b  of the central aperture through caster wheel  181  and into enlarged diameter portion  168   a  of central aperture  166  through support member  164 . The shaft of screw  228  extends through bushing  226  and is threaded into the reduced diameter portion  168   b  of central aperture  166  in support member  164  such that the head of screw  228  becomes seated in enlarged diameter portion  196   a  of the central aperture extending through caster wheel  181 .  
      As described, support member  164  and bracket  208  are rotatable in unison about the axis defined by the shaft of screw  222 . In addition, caster wheel  181  is free rotate about an axis defined by the shaft of screw  228 . Once assembled, caster assembly  150  may be mounted to object  230  such an article of furniture, file cabinet, piece of machinery or the like in any conventional manner. As described, it can be appreciated that caster assembly  150  facilitates the movement of the object on a supporting surface to a desired location.  
      Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.