Patent ID: 8505671

Claim:
A drivable caster wheel assembly comprising: a support socket for mounting on a mobile base, the socket defining a journal; a support frame mounted on the support socket and comprising: a post with at least a portion thereof positioned in the journal and being rotatable in the journal of the support socket about a substantially vertical axis, the post having an outer surface; at least one arm mounted on the post and extending downwardly from the post; an axle mounted on the at least one arm of the support frame; a wheel mounted on the axle and being rotatable with respect to the support frame about a substantially horizontal axis; a hydraulic motor mounted on the support frame and configured to rotate the wheel with respect to the support frame; a fluid transfer structure configured to transfer fluid from a fluid power source on the mobile base when the support socket is mounted on the mobile base to the motor for driving the wheel while maintaining an ability of the support frame and wheel to rotate with respect to the support socket about the substantially vertical axis; wherein the support frame and wheel are rotatable through at least one complete rotation with respect to the support socket.