Hand truck World

Disclosed are an improved pneumatic wheels device for simulating the appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a low-profile pneumatic wheels. the pneumatic wheels system has an inboard side and an outboard side with a wide outer flange extending around the outer circumference of the pneumatic wheels system. The outer flange is preferably integral with the outboard face of the pneumatic wheels system. A design, preferably comprised of a plurality of protrusions, indentations, and slits, extends across at least a portion of the outboard face of the pneumatic wheels system, including the outboard face of the extended outer flange. In the improved pneumatic wheels, the outboard pneumatic wheels wall preferably includes a laterally extending wheel protector, a ledge, and a flange seat. The flange seat is preferably contoured to match the inner face of the outer flange of the improved wheel.

1. A pneumatic wheels device adapted to be attached to a vehicle, comprising:

(a) the pneumatic wheels system comprising:

(i) a central hub adapted to be attached to the vehicle, the central hub having an inboard side, an outboard side, and a central axis;

(ii) an inboard lip formed on the inboard side of the hub and extending radially outwardly;

(iii) an outer flange formed on the outboard side of the hub and extending radially outwardly, the outer flange having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the outer diameter being greater than an outer diameter of the inboard lip, and the outer flange having an inboard side and an outboard side;

(iv) a design on the central hub that extends across at least a portion of the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system, the distance between the central axis of the hub to the furthest radial extent of the design being greater than the distance between the central axis of the hub and the outer diameter of the inboard lip;

(b) the pneumatic wheels comprising:

(i) an inboard pneumatic wheels wall having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and an inboard bead;

(ii) an outboard pneumatic wheels wall having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a flange seat, the flange seat having an outboard bead and a ledge, the radial distance between the inner and outer diameters of the inboard pneumatic wheels wall being approximately equal to the radial distance between the inner and outer diameters of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall;

wherein the pneumatic wheels is mounted on the pneumatic wheels system such that the inboard side of the outer flange substantially overlaps, and is in close proximity with, the flange seat, the outer radial edge of the outer flange is juxtaposed in substantially facing relationship with the pneumatic wheels ledge, the inboard lip interfaces with the bead of the pneumatic wheels, the area of interface between the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system and the flange seat on the outboard pneumatic wheels wall is substantially greater than the area of interface between the inboard lip and the bead on the inboard pneumatic wheels wall, the outer flange extends radially outwardly no more than about halfway between the inner and outer diameters of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall and at least a portion of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall extends farther in the outboard direction than the outboard face of the outer flange, so as to give an appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a lower-profile pneumatic wheels.

2. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 1/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

3. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 3/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

4. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 11/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

5. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 13/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

6. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the outer flange is adapted to abut against the outer wall of the pneumatic wheels with substantially no gap therebetween when mounted thereon after the pneumatic wheels is pressurized.

7. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the central hub comprises a plurality of spokes and the pattern on the outer flange gives the appearance that the spokes extend across at least a portion of the outer flange.

8. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the difference between the inner diameter of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall and the outer diameters of the outer flange is at least about 2 inches.

9. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the difference between the inner diameter of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall and the outer diameters of the outer flange is at least about 21/2 inches.

10. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 8, wherein the outer flange is at least about twice as wide as the inboard lip.

11. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, further comprising a wheel protector formed on the outboard pneumatic wheels wall.

12. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the ledge has an inboard edge, an outboard edge, and a width therebetween, the width of the ledge being at least about 1/8 inch, and the ledge being substantially parallel with the central axis of the pneumatic wheels system.

13. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 1, wherein the inboard and outboard walls of the pneumatic wheels are not symmetrical.

14. A pneumatic wheels device adapted to be attached to a vehicle, comprising:

(a) the pneumatic wheels system comprising:

(i) a central hub adapted to be attached to the vehicle, the central hub having an inboard side, an outboard side, and a central axis;

(ii) an inboard lip formed on the inboard side of the hub and extending radially outwardly;

(iii) an outer flange formed on the outboard side of the hub and extending radially outwardly, the outer flange having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the outer diameter being greater than an outer diameter of the inboard lip, and the outer flange having an inboard side and an outboard side;

(iv) a design on the central hub that extends across at least a portion of the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system, the distance between the central axis of the hub to the furthest radial extent of the design being greater than the distance between the central axis of the hub and the outer diameter of the inboard lip; and

(b) the pneumatic wheels comprising:

(i) an inboard pneumatic wheels wall having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a width therebetween;

(ii) an outboard pneumatic wheels wall having an inner diameter, and outer diameter, and a width tberebetween, the widths of the inboard and outboard pneumatic wheels walls being approximately equal;

wherein the pneumatic wheels is mounted on the pneumatic wheels system such that an area of interface between the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system and the outboard pneumatic wheels wall is substantially greater than an area of interface between the inboard lip and the inboard pneumatic wheels wall, and the outer radial edge of the outer flange is juxtaposed in substantially facing relationship with at least a portion of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall, the outer flange extends radially outwardly no more than about halfway between the inner and outer diameters of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall, and at least a portion of the outboard pneumatic wheels wall extends farther in the outboard direction than the outboard face of the outer flange, so as to give an appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a lower-profile pneumatic wheels.

15. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 1/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

16. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter of the outer flange is at least about 13/4 inch greater than the outer diameter of the inboard lip.

17. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the outer flange is adapted to abut against the outer wall of the pneumatic wheels with substantially no gap therebetween when mounted thereon after the pneumatic wheels is pressurized.

18. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the central hub comprises a plurality of spokes and the pattern on the outer flange gives the appearance that the spokes extend across at least a portion of the outer flange.

19. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the outer flange is at least about 2 inches.

20. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, wherein the outer flange is at least about twice as wide as the inboard lip.

21. The pneumatic wheels device of claim 14, further comprising a wheel protector formed on the outboard pneumatic wheels wall.

This invention relates generally to pneumatic wheels and wheels for vehicles and in particular to pneumatic wheels and wheels for creating the appearance of low-profile pneumatic wheels mounted on large-diameter wheels.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, consumer demand for large-diameter vehicle wheels mounted within low-profile pneumatic wheels has increased dramatically. Such wheels and pneumatic wheels create a stylish look for the vehicle on which they are used, but they cost much more than standard-sized wheels and pneumatic wheels. As a consequence, large-diameter wheels and low profile pneumatic wheels are desired by many consumers, but are beyond the financial reach of a large segment of the market. Moreover, most companies that make wheels are set up for mass production of wheels of certain standard sizes, and have often lagged behind consumer demand in developing or re-tooling expensive equipment, including molds and casting machinery, to produce the largest wheels desired by consumers.

Some consumers who want, but cannot afford or obtain, wheels with a sufficiently large diameter mounted within low profile pneumatic wheels may be willing to pay an intermediate cost to make standard-sized wheels and pneumatic wheels take on the appearance of the more expensive (and possibly unavailable) products. Detachable wheel extensions, such as the one shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. 2002/0079735 A1, have been used to attempt to simulate the appearance of larger wheels mounted within low-profile pneumatic wheels. However, such extensions mask a portion of the front face of the pneumatic wheels system and do not provide a surface integral with the design on the face of the pneumatic wheels system. Thus, the attempted simulation does not have a realistic-looking appearance.

In particular, the pneumatic wheels system extensions of the prior art have an inner ring that is removably secured within an inside edge of the outer lip of the existing wheel using a compression fit (as with a standard hub cap). A wide outer flange is attached to the inner ring and extends radially outwardly across a portion of the outside pneumatic wheels wall. the pneumatic wheels system extensions are intended to be used with many different types of wheels having a variety of surface designs on their front faces. The outward surfaces of the inner ring and outer flange generally have a smooth, generic appearance to attempt to aesthetically interface with all of these different designs. Although outer flanges of the prior art may include a narrow, upturned lip formed along the outer diameter of the flange and/or an undulated outward surface (e.g., a smooth stair-step pattern of concentric rings), the flanges do not include protrusions, indentations, or slits on their surfaces as are commonly found on the central portion of the front face of many wheels.

The inner ring for securing the pneumatic wheels system extension to the pneumatic wheels system is generally at least about 1/2 inch thick around its circumference, which covers up a significant portion of the underlying wheel face. When mounted on a wheel with a 17-inch diameter, a 1/2-inch thick ring makes the pneumatic wheels system appear to be only 16-inches in diameter. This results in a reduction of the visible surface area of the pneumatic wheels system by well over 10 percent. In addition, the smooth outward surfaces of the inner ring and outer flange generally do not blend in well with the existing design of the pneumatic wheels system. Indeed, the pneumatic wheels system extensions of the prior art are usually easily detectable by even a casual observer, and merely give the appearance of an over-extended add-on lip covering a portion of the outer pneumatic wheels wall. Thus, the attempted simulation is not only ineffective, it actually creates the opposite effect. Rather than simulating a larger wheel mounted within a low profile pneumatic wheels, the pneumatic wheels system extension gives the appearance of a smaller wheel mounted on a standard pneumatic wheels.

Moreover, the detachability of the pneumatic wheels system extension gives rise to additional problems. For example, wheel extensions are generally secured to wheels by providing compressible tabs which must be pressed with a tamping force within the outer lip of a standard wheel. The tabs sometimes bend or break during installation or when the pneumatic wheels system strikes another object, such as a sidewalk curb, causing the pneumatic wheels system extension to wobble or to fall off completely when the pneumatic wheels system turns.

The present invention provides an improved pneumatic wheels device for simulating the appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a low-profile pneumatic wheels. the pneumatic wheels system has an inboard side and an outboard side. The outboard side includes a wide outer flange which extends around the outer circumference of the pneumatic wheels system. The outer flange is preferably integral with the outboard face of the pneumatic wheels system and covers a substantial portion of the outboard wall of the pneumatic wheels within which the pneumatic wheels system is mounted. A design, preferably comprised of, for example, a plurality of protrusions, indentations, and slits, extends across at least a portion of the outboard face of the pneumatic wheels system, including the outboard face of the extended outer flange.

The improved pneumatic wheels of the present invention is intended to be mounted on the improved wheel of the present invention with an extended outer flange. The pneumatic wheels comprises an outboard pneumatic wheels wall, an inboard pneumatic wheels wall, and a tread therebetween. The outboard pneumatic wheels wall preferably includes a laterally extending wheel protector, a ledge, and a flange seat. The flange seat is preferably contoured to match the inner face of the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system and is preferably more rigid than the remainder of the pneumatic wheels to prevent the pneumatic wheels from deflecting into the outer flange of the pneumatic wheels system under the load of a vehicle.

the pneumatic wheels system of the present invention may be mounted within a standard pneumatic wheels of the prior art or may be mounted within the pneumatic wheels of the present invention to produce a highly effective simulation of a larger-diameter wheel mounted with a low-profile pneumatic wheels.

The present invention enables waste to be removed from behind pneumatic wheels without having to remove the wheel from the compaction machine. The present compaction wheel allows access through the compaction wheel to a portion of the axle located behind the wheel, thereby saving the cost associated with removing the compaction wheel and improving productivity by reducing the amount of down time needed to service and inspect each compaction wheel, its axle and the portions of the compaction machine hidden by each wheel. Each compaction wheel includes an access opening disposed between a wheel hub and outer rim and operatively adapted to allow access to and permit removal of waste from around a portion of the axle located behind the compaction wheel, while the compaction wheel is mounted on the axle. The access opening can be of a sufficient size to allow the passage of the head and one or both arms of a worker therethrough and can also be operatively adapted to allow access through the front side of the compaction wheel to a portion of the axle located behind the wheel. A removable cover or hatch is mounted on each wheel so as to substantially close its access opening to prevent waste from passing through each access opening and accumulating behind each wheel, while the compaction machine is being operated.

1. pneumatic wheels for mounting on an axle of a compaction machine, said compaction wheel comprising:

a front side and a back side;

a waste entry site on said back side which provides a path for waste to enter an inner wheel space disposed between said compaction wheel and a portion of an axle of a compaction machine mounting said compaction wheel;

a hub operatively adapted for mounting on the axle of the compaction machine;

a rim disposed around and radially out from said hub; and

an access opening disposed between said hub and said rim, said access opening allowing access through said front side to said inner wheel space and permitting removal of waste trapped in said inner wheel space, while said compaction wheel is mounted on the axle.

2. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 1, wherein said access opening has an area of at least about 170 in2 (1097 cm2).

3. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 1, wherein said compaction wheel further comprises a removable cover mounted so as to substantially close said access opening.

4. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 3, wherein said compaction wheel further comprises a frame defining said access opening between said hub and said rim, and said cover is operatively adapted for being removably secured to said frame so as to substantially close said access opening.

5. pneumatic wheels for mounting on an axle of a compaction machine, said compaction wheel comprising:

a front side and a back side;

a waste entry site on said back side which provides a path for waste to enter an inner wheel space disposed between said compaction wheel and a portion of an axle of a compaction machine mounting said compaction wheel;

a hub operatively adapted for mounting on the axle of the compaction machine;

a rim disposed around and radially out from said hub;

an access opening disposed between said hub and said rim, said access opening allowing access through said front side to said inner wheel space and permitting removal of waste from between a portion of the axle and said compaction wheel, while said compaction wheel is mounted on the axle; and

a removable cover mountable to substantially close said access opening.

6. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 5, wherein said rim includes an outer wrapper on which a plurality of cleats are mounted.

7. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 5, wherein said compaction wheel further comprises an intermediatestructure between said hub and said rim which includes a frame defining said access opening, and said cover is operatively adapted for being removably secured to said frame so as to substantially close said access opening.

8. pneumatic wheels as set forth in claim 7, wherein said intermediate structure is annular shaped and further comprises two semi-circular plates that are generally parallel to one another and interconnected between said hub and said rim, each of said semi-circular plates has two ends, and said access opening is disposed between the ends of said semi-circular plates.

9. A compaction machine comprising:

a vehicle having a body and at least one axle mounting at least one compaction wheel, said compaction wheel comprising:

a front side and a back side, with said back side facing said body,

a waste entry site on said back side which provides a path for waste to enter an inner wheel space disposed between said compaction wheel and a portion of an axle of a compaction machine mounting said compaction wheel,

a hub operatively adapted for being mounted on said axle,

a rim disposed around and radially out from said hub,

an access opening disposed between said hub and said rim, said access opening allowing access through said front side of said compaction wheel to remove waste from between said back side of said compaction wheel and said vehicle body, while said compaction wheel is mounted on said axle, and

a removable cover mounted to substantially close said access opening.

10. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one compaction wheel is two compaction pneumatic wheels, one mounted on either end of said axle.

11. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein said at least one compaction wheel is four compaction pneumatic wheels, said at least one axle is two axles, and each of said axles mounts two of said compaction pneumatic wheels.

12. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 11, wherein said axles include a first axle, said compaction pneumatic wheels include two first compaction pneumatic wheels mounted on said first axle, and said compaction machine includes a dozer blade mounted on two pivot arms disposed outside of said first compaction pneumatic wheels so as to block the removal of said first compaction pneumatic wheels from said first axle.

13. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein said compaction machine further comprises a trap system for effectively reducing the size of said waste entry site and trapping waste outside of said inner wheel space.

14. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein said axle is mounted for rotation inside an axle housing, and said trap system comprises an annular plate mounted around the outside of said axle housing, said annular plate is disposed adjacent to the back side of said compaction wheel so as to effectively reduce the size of said waste entry site.

15. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 14, wherein said rim has a back side, and an annular ring is mounted on said annular plate between the back side of said rim and said annular plate so as to further reduce the effective size of said waste entry site.

16. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 14, wherein said rim has a back side, the back side of said rim has an inside diameter surface, and an annular ring is mounted on said annular plate adjacent to said inside diameter surface so as to further reduce the effective size of said waste entry site.

17. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 14, wherein said rim has a back side, the back side of said rim has an inside diameter surface, and a first annular ring and a second annular ring are mounted on said annular plate, one ring between the back side of said rim and said annular plate and the other ring adjacent to said inside diameter surface, so as to further reduce the effective size of said waste entry site.

18. A compaction machine comprising:

a vehicle having a body, at least one axle mounted for rotation inside an axle housing and mounting at least one compaction wheel, said compaction wheel having a back side and comprising:

a hub operatively adapted for being mounted on said axle,

a rim disposed around and radially out from said hub, said rim having a back side, and

a waste entry site located on the back side of said compaction wheel between said rim and said axle, providing a path for waste to enter an inner wheel space disposed between said compaction wheel and a leading portion of said axle; and a trap system for reducing the effective size of said waste entry site and trapping waste outside of said inner wheel space, said trap system comprising:

an annular plate mounted around the outside of said axle housing and disposed adjacent to the back side of said compaction wheel, and

a first annular ring mounted on said annular plate between the back side of said rim and said annular plate.

19. The compaction machine as set forth in claim 18, wherein the back side of said rim has an inside diameter surface, and said trap system further comprises a second annular ring mounted on said annular plate adjacent to said inside diameter surface so as to further reduce the effective size of said waste entry site.
Description

The present invention is related to heavy equipment wheels, more particularly, to the wheels on a compaction machine, such as those used to compact landfills and, even more particularly, to a compaction machine wheel which allows waste and refuse to be removed from behind the wheel without having to remove the wheel from the machine.

Compaction machines are used to compact landfill sites, garbage dumps and other such locations. These machines typically include a self-propelled vehicle having four large pneumatic wheels made of steel. Each wheel has a hub mounted to one end of an axle and a rim disposed around and radially out from the hub. The rim typically includes an outer wrapper on which a plurality of cleats are usually mounted. One problem encountered by such machines is the accumulation of waste behind the compaction pneumatic wheels. Waste materials such as steel cable, wire, rope and the like have a particularly detrimental effect. Such refuse tends to wrap around the axles of the compaction machine and become trapped between the wheel and its axle, increasing the corresponding frictional forces therebetween. Increasing the friction between the wheel and its axle increases the load on the wheel propulsion system (e.g., an internal combustion engine) and reduces the life of the compaction machine. In addition, such increased frictional forces can cause the compaction pneumatic wheels to wear to the point of requiring repair or even replacement of the wheels. Such wear related repairs can be very costly, and replacement wheels are very expensive.

Previously, the only way to prevent the buildup of waste behind the pneumatic wheels and the corresponding premature wear and tear on the compaction machine was to periodically remove each compaction wheel so that refuse trapped between the wheel and the axle can be removed. Removing the compaction pneumatic wheels on a compaction machine is a labor intensive and time consuming process. compaction pneumatic wheels can have an outside diameter of up to 84 inches and weigh up to five tons per wheel. It can take up to three working days or more to remove, clean and inspect the wheels and axles of a typical compaction machine. Such down time can result in lost income from refuse left uncompacted. In addition, most trash dumping sites do not have backup compaction machines available to take over during the down times. The operator of, for example, a landfill risks be charged federal and state fines for each day the trash at the site remains uncompacted.

It has been known to weld hollow pipes into the side walls of some compaction pneumatic wheels, adjacent to the hub, to allow the space behind the wheel to be viewed. Such pipes have inside diameters in the range of 4-12 inches. These hollow pipes are only intended to allow an operator to see the buildup of refuse behind the compaction pneumatic wheels and determine when the wheels require servicing. However, these pipes typically become plugged with debris from the refuse being compacted and preventing the area behind the wheel to be viewed.

In an effort to reduce the rate of waste buildup between each compaction wheel and its corresponding axle, an annular plate has been mounted around each end of the axle, adjacent to the back side of each compaction wheel. Typically, the axle is mounted for rotation within an axle housing and the annular plate is mounted to extend radially out from the axle housing. However, this annular plate has only slowed down, if at all, the buildup of waste between the wheel and its axle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a way to remove waste from behind pneumatic wheels without having to remove the compaction wheel from the machine, as well as a way to further reduce, if not eliminate, the rate of waste buildup between pneumatic wheels and its axle.

The present invention satisfies these needs. Waste can be removed from behind pneumatic wheels without having to remove the compaction wheel from the machine, according to the present invention, by providing pneumatic wheels which allows access through the compaction wheel to a portion of the axle located behind the wheel. In this way, not only is the cost associated with removing each compaction wheel saved, but the present invention improves productivity by also reducing the amount of down time needed to service (e.g., clean away debris) and inspect each compaction wheel, each axle and the portions of the compaction machine hidden by each wheel.

In one aspect of the present invention, pneumatic wheels is provided which includes a hub operatively adapted for mounting on the axle of a compaction machine, a rim disposed around and radially out from the hub, and an access opening disposed between the hub and the rim or outer wrapper. The access opening is operatively adapted to allow access to and permit removal of waste from around a portion of the axle located behind the compaction wheel, while the compaction wheel is mounted on the axle. The access opening can be of a sufficient size to allow the passage of the head and one arm or the head, shoulder and both arms of a worker therethrough. It is desirable for the access opening to be operatively adapted to allow access through the front side of the compaction wheel to the portion of the axle located behind the compaction wheel. It is also desirable for the access opening to be wide enough to allow a worker to reach and remove refuse from behind the wheel using a tool (e.g., an oxy-acetylene cutting torch, a hand held grinder, cutting shears, and the like).

A removable cover or hatch can be mounted on each of the present compaction pneumatic wheels so as to substantially close its access opening. Such a cover prevents waste from passing through the access opening and accumulating behind the wheel, while the compaction machine is being operated. In one embodiment of the present compaction wheel, the access opening is defined by a frame and the cover is operatively adapted for being removably secured to the frame. In addition to the frame, additional intermediate structure, between the hub and the rim, can include two semi-circular plates that are generally parallel to one another and which interconnect the hub and the rim. Each of these semi-circular plates has two ends, with the access opening being disposed between the ends of both plates.

In another aspect of the present invention, a compaction machine is provided which includes some form of vehicle having a body and at least one axle mounting one or more of the present compaction pneumatic wheels, as described above. It is desirable for at least two of the wheels on the compaction machine to be compaction pneumatic wheels according to the present invention, with one wheel mounted on either end of an axle. For a four-wheeled compaction machine, it is even more desirable for all four wheels to be compaction pneumatic wheels according to the present invention, with one pair of the wheels being mounted on an axle.

Some compaction machines, having at least one axle mounting pneumatic wheels at each end, includes a dozer blade which must be removed before the compaction pneumatic wheels can be removed. One such dozer blade is mounted on the compaction machine using two pivot arms disposed outside of the compaction pneumatic wheels so as to block the removal of the wheels from the axle. Use of the present compaction pneumatic wheels is even more desirable on such compaction machines because it eliminates the need for having to remove the dozer blade, as well as the wheel itself.

Some compaction pneumatic wheels have a waste entry site located on their back side which provides a path for waste to enter an inner wheel space disposed between the compaction wheel and a leading portion of the axle. With such pneumatic wheels, the access opening is operatively adapted to allow access through the front side of the compaction wheel and into the inner wheel space. Waste trapped in the inner wheel space (e.g., wrapped around the leading portion of the axle) can then be removed through the access opening. It is desirable for a compaction machine mounting such wheels to include a trap system which effectively reduces the size of the waste entry site to trap most, if not all, of the waste outside of the inner wheel space.

For a number of compaction machines, each axle is mounted for rotation inside an axle housing which does not rotate with the axle. The axle housing, for example, can be fixedly mounted to the body of the vehicle so that the housing remains relatively stationary while the axle rotates. One trap system that can be used with each wheel of such a compaction machine includes an annular plate mounted around the outside of the axle housing. This annular plate is disposed adjacent to the back side of the compaction wheel so as to reduce the effective size of the waste entry site. It may be desirable for the annular plate to contact the back side of the compaction wheel.

To reduce the effective size of the waste entry site even further, an annular ring can be mounted between the back side of the wheel rim and the annular plate. It is desirable for this annular ring to be mounted snugly against the back side of the wheel rim. It may also be desirable for another annular ring to be mounted on the annular plate adjacent to an inside diameter surface of the wheel rim so as to further reduce the effective size of the waste entry site. It is also desirable for this other annular ring to be mounted snugly against the inside diameter surface of the wheel rim. These two annular rings can be used separately as well as together. Furthermore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the use of one, two or any number of such annular rings.

It is desirable for a compaction machine, according to the present invention, to include the present compaction pneumatic wheels in addition to the present trap system. However, it is also advantageous to use the present trap system with conventional compaction pneumatic wheels to further reduce, if not eliminate, the rate of waste buildup between the compaction wheel and its axle (i.e., within its inner wheel space).

The castors comprise a support surface which is mounted upon at least two casters, one of the casters being steerable and having a castor like structure and in which steering can take place by tilting of the castoring axis of the castor like structure.

1. The castors comprising a support surface, a plurality of casters on which said support surface is mounted, a castor like structure including a castoring axis and a castorelement freely pivotable about said castoring axis for at least one of said casters, steering pivot means for enabling tilting of said castoring axis relative to said support surface and steering means operable for tilting said castoring axis of saidcastor like structure about said steering pivot means to steer the vehicle.

2. The castors as comprising three said casters.

3. The castors and comprising two fixed casters at one end and said castor like structure at the other end.

4. The castors wherein said support surface comprises a platform mounted on a frame, with said casters support directly to said frame.

5. The castors wherein said casters comprise pneumatic wheels.

6. The castors as comprising stop means for limiting the tilting of said castoring axis.

7. The castors comprising a framework, two pneumatic wheels supporting a rear of said framework, a steerable castored wheel supporting a front of said framework and including a castoring axis and a castor wheel freely pivotable about said castoring axis, aseat member mounted towards the rear of said framework, a foot support crossbar mounted towards the front of said framework, steering pivot means for enabling tilting of said castoring axis relative to said seat member and steering means operable by aperson seated in said seat for tilting said castoring axis of said steerable castor wheel about said steering pivot means to thereby steer the vehicle.

8. The castors as said framework comprises a generally “T” shaped structure comprising a cross bar and a stem with said rear pneumatic wheels located at the end of said crossbar and said castor wheel fixedly attached to the baseof said stem, and said steering pivot means is arranged to enable at least said base part of said stem to be pivotable about its own axis to incline said castoring axis of said castor wheel.

9. The castors wherein said steering means comprises a joystick extending upwardly from and mounted on said pivotable part of said stem for controlling the movement of said pivotable part of said stem to steer the vehicle.

10. The castors wherein said crossbar is mounted on said pivotable part of said stem for movement therewith.

11. The castors as comprising a hand-operated brake acting on said rear pneumatic wheels.

12. The castors as comprising stop means for limiting tilting of said castoring axis.

13. The castors comprising an “L” shaped framework including a base part for carrying luggage or other articles and an upright rear part, two fixed pneumatic wheels supporting the rear of said base part where it is connected said upright part, a castoredwheel supporting the front of said base part and including a castoring axis and a castor wheel freely pivotable about said castoring axis, steering pivot means for enabling tilting of said castoring axis relative to said base part and steering meansoperable for tilting said castoring axis of said castored wheel about said steering pivot means to steer the vehicle.

14. The castors wherein said steering pivot means comprises a horizontally rearwardly extending rod pivotable about its own axis for carrying said castored wheel, and said steering means comprises a handle connected to saidrod for pivotal movement therewith and extending upwardly to the region of the top of said upright rear part.

15. The castors as said steering pivot means comprises a horizontal pivot at the front of the base part for carrying said castored wheel and said steering means comprises a handle extending said castoring axis of saidcastored wheel upwards.

16. The castors as comprising stop means for limiting the tilting of said castoring axis.

17. The castors comprising a substantially “U” shaped frame including two horizontally extending parts spaced apart vertically and joined by a part extending between them, a pair of fixed pneumatic wheels carrying one end of the lower of the said twohorizontally extending parts, a castored wheel carrying the other end of said lower horizontally extending part and including a castoring axis and a castor wheel freely pivotable about said castoring axis, steering pivot means for enabling tilting ofsaid castoring axis relative to said frame and steering means operable for tilting said castoring axis of said castored wheel about said steering pivot means to steer the vehicle.

18. The castors wherein said steering pivot

means comprises a pivot with a horizontal axis on which said castored wheel is mounted and said steering means comprises a handle for extending said castoring axis.

19. The castors as comprising stop means for limiting the tilting of said castoring axis.

This invention relates to the castors and in particular to a steerable vehicle.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to seek to provide a steerable vehicle having a novel form of steering arrangement.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the castors comprises a support surface mounted upon at least two casters wherein at least one of the casters is steerable and has a castor like structure in which steering takes place by tilting ofthe castoring axis of the castor like structure.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the castors comprises a framework supported by two pneumatic wheels at the rear and a steerable castored wheel at the front, a seat member mounted towards the rear of the framework, a foot support cross barmounted towards the front of the framework and steering means operable by a person seated in the seat for tilting the castoring axis of the steerable castored wheel.

According to a third aspect of the invention the castors comprises an “L” shaped framework having a base part for carrying luggage or other articles and an upright rear part, wherein two fixed pneumatic wheels support the rear of the base part where it isconnected to the upright part, a castored wheel supports the front of the base part and means are provided for tilting the castoring axis of the castored wheel to enable the vehicle to be steered.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the castors comprises a substantially “U” shaped frame comprising two horizontally extending parts spaced apart vertically and joined by a part extending between them, wherein one end of the lower ofthe two horizontally extending parts is carried by a pair of fixed pneumatic wheels, the other end of said lower horizontally extending part is carried by a castored wheel and steering means are provided for tilting the castoring axis of the castored wheel toenable the vehicle to be steered.

Single or twin pneumatic wheels castors have a body journalling the pneumatic wheels about a horizontal axis, with the body capable of swivelling on a mounting member about a vertical axis spaced from the pneumatic wheels axis. An operating member is movable axially but non-rotatably by a cam along the vertical axis between a lower position in which the body is held to the operating member and thus to the mounting member in a predetermined angular orientation, the whole being free to turn, an intermediate position in which the pneumatic wheels are free to turn and the body is free to swivel and an upper position in which a pneumatic wheels braking force is applied frictionally or mechanically by a casters lever (44, 105), the engagement of the operating member with the casters lever also holding the body in its angular position when the casters was applied.

1. The castors comprising:

a body, pneumatic wheels means rotatably mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body,

an elongate hollow mounting member,

means mounting said body on said mounting member for rotation about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said pneumatic wheels rotatable means, and

casters means for braking said pneumatic wheels means against rotation, said casters means comprising:

a casters member slidably guided in said hollow mounting member for movement downwardly along said substantially vertical axis to release said braking, and

casters member operating means carried by said mounting member and selectively operable to act on said casters member at the region of the upper end thereof to effect said movements of said casters member.

2. The castors wherein said casters member operating means comprises a camming mechanism.

3. The castor wherein said casters member operating means comprises a cable mechanism, said mechanism including a cable of which at least the lower portion extends substantially along said substantially vertical axis.

4. The castor wherein said casters means further comprises a braking lever, and means pivotably mounting said braking lever on said body, said braking lever being movable by said casters member into braking engagement with said pneumatic wheelsmeans.

5. The castor further comprising biassing means biassing said casters member against upward movement, and wherein said casters member operating means comprises a cam, means mounting said cam on said mounting member for rotation about asubstantially horizontal axis, and a cam follower carried by said casters member at the upper end thereof, said cam follower being engaged with said cam.

6. The castor wherein said mounting member has an upper end portion carrying said cam mechanism and constructed as a housing comprising demountable wall portions.

7. The castor further comprising a spring biassing said casters member to move downwardly, and wherein said casters member operating means comprises a cable movable lengthwise within a sheath, said cable being connected to said castersmember at the upper end thereof, and said sheath being connected to said mounting member.

8. The castor further comprising screw threaded means between upper and lower portions of said casters member for selective adjustment of the length thereof.

9. The castor wherein said braking lever is mounted on said body by screw-threaded adjustment means and wherein biassing means biasses said braking lever against said braking engagement.

10. The castor further comprising casters pad wherein said pneumatic wheels means comprises a single pneumatic wheels and said braking lever is pivotably mounted on said body between first and second ends of said braking lever, said first end beingengageable by said operating member and said second end carrying said casters pad for frictionally engaging said pneumatic wheels.

11. The castors comprising:

a body,

two pneumatic wheels mounted on opposed sides of said body for rotation about a common axis, said pneumatic wheels have sleeve portions between said common axis and the outer peripheries thereof,

means rotatably mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body,

an elongate hollow mounting member,

means mounting said body on said mounting member for rotation about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said pneumatic wheels axis, and

casters means for braking said pneumatic wheels against rotation, and casters means comprising:

an operating member slidably guided in said hollow mounting member for movement along said substantially vertical axis and being movable upwardly to exert a braking effect on said pneumatic wheels, and

a braking lever movable by said operating member to brakingly engage the exteriors of said pneumatic wheels sleeve portions.

12. The castors wherein said sleeve portions and said braking lever have thereon teeth interengageable to effect said braking.

13. The castors comprising:

a body,

pneumatic wheels means,

means rotatably mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body,

an elongate hollow mounting member,

means mounting said body on said mounting member for rotation about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said pneumatic wheels axis, and

casters means for braking said pneumatic wheels means against rotation, said casters means comprising:

an operating member slidably guided in said hollow mounting member for movement along said substantially vertical axis and being movable upwardly to exert a braking effect on said pneumatic wheels means,

a braking lever movable by said operating member into braking engagement with said pneumatic wheels means,

screw-threaded adjustment means mounting said braking lever on said body, and

biassing means biassing said braking lever against said braking engagement.

14. The castors comprising:

a body,

pneumatic wheels means,

means rotatably mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body,

an elongate hollow mounting member,

means mounting said body on said mounting member for rotation about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said pneumatic wheels axis, and

casters means for braking said pneumatic wheels means against rotation, said casters means comprising:

an operating member slidably guided in said hollow mounting member for movement along said substantially vertical axis and being movable upwardly to exert a braking effect on said pneumatic wheels means,

a braking lever movable by said operating member with braking engagement with said pneumatic wheels means,

means restraining said operating member against rotation relative to said mounting member, and

formations on said operating member and on said braking lever, said formations being co-operably engageable on said upward movement of the operating member to thereby prevent the rotation of said body about said substantially vertical axis.

15. The castors comprising:

a body,

pneumatic wheels means,

means rotatably mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body,

a mounting member,

means mounting said body on said mounting member for rotation about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said pneumatic wheels axis,

casters means for braking said pneumatic wheels means against rotation, said casters means comprising an operating member movable upwardly to exert a braking effect on said pneumatic wheels means, and

formations on said operating member and on said body, said formations being co-operably engageable on downward movement of said operating member to thereby hold said body in a predetermined angular relationship to said mounting member.

16. The castors comprising:

a body,

two pneumatic wheels,

means mounting said pneumatic wheels on said body for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, each of said pneumatic wheels having an outer rim and means defining an external cylinderical surface concentric with said substantially horizontal axis and locatedradially inwardly of said outer rim,

castor mounting means,

means mounting said body on said castor mounting means for swivelling about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said horizontal pneumatic wheels axis,

a casters arm, said casters arm having two portions each adapted for braking engagement with a respective one of said cylindrical surfaces,

means mounting said casters arm on said body for pivotation between positions respectively of disengagement from said pneumatic wheels and of braking engagement therewith,

an elongate operating member, said casters arm portions being located on said casters arm between said operating member and said casters arm mounting means,

means guiding said elongate operating member on said castor mounting means for movement along said substantially vertical axis from a non-braking position to a position in which said operating member acts on said casters arm to cause said brakingengagement of said casters arm, said operating member movement being in the upward direction.

17. The castors comprising:

a body,

pneumatic wheels means,

means mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis,

castor mounting means,

means mounting said body on said castor mounting means for swivelling about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said horizontal pneumatic wheels axis,

a casters arm,

means mounting said casters arm to said body for pivotation between positions respectively for disengagement from said pneumatic wheels and of braking engagement therewith,

an elongate operating member,

means guiding said elongate operating member on said castor mounting means for movement along said substantially vertical axis from a non-braking position to a position in which said operating member acts on said casters arm to cause said brakingengagement of said casters arm, said operating member movement being in the upward direction,

means restraining said operating member and said mounting means against relative rotation about said substantially vertical axis,

an upwardly facing surface on said operating member with a series of teeth extending radially of said vertical axis formed on said upwardly facing surface, and

a tooth formed on an end portion of said casters arm, said tooth being engageable with said casters arm, thereby preventing said swivelling of said body on said mounting means.

18. The castors comprising:

a body,

pneumatic wheels means,

means mounting said pneumatic wheels means on said body for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis,

castor mounting means,

means mounting said body on said castor mounting means for swivelling about a substantially vertical axis spaced from said horizontal pneumatic wheels axis,

a casters arm,

means mounting said casters arm on said body for pivotation between positions respectively of disengagement from said pneumatic wheels and of braking engagement therewith,

an elongate operating member,

means guiding said elongate operating member on said castor mounting means for movement along said substantially vertical axis from a non-braking position to a position in which said operating member acts on said casters arm to cause said brakingengagement of said casters arm, said operating member movement being in the upward direction,

operating member drive means, said operating member comprises yoke means receiving a drive for said operating member from said drive means,

a casters arm actuating element aligned with said yoke means and engageable with said casters arm, and

screw-threaded means between said yoke means and said actuating element permitting adjustment of the length of said operating element effective between said drive means and said casters arm.

The invention relates to castors and more particularly to castors incorporating braking means.

There is known from United Kingdom Patent Specification GB No. 2 096 254 A The castors comprising a body mounting pneumatic wheels for rotating about a rolling axis, an attachment member for mounting the body on an article, the body and attachment memberbeing relatively movable about an upright swivelling axis spaced from the rolling axis, and a braking element movable downwardly along the swivelling axis to casters the pneumatic wheels against rotation and to hold the body against the swivelling movement. Thedownward movement of the braking element to effect braking necessarily imposes on the castor forces which tend to separate its components parts, and it moreover presents difficulty in employing the castor for remote controlled braking as by a Bowdencable connection.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide The castors in which braking forces are applied in a direction tending to urge the component parts thereof together.

It is also an object of the invention to provide The castors having pneumatic wheels braking means suited to operation by way of a Bowden cable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide The castors having a braking element engageable with the pneumatic wheels thereof to apply a braking force thereto, and an operating member linked with the braking element and movable upwardly to cause thebraking force to be applied.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention there is provided The castors comprising a body rotatably carrying at least one pneumatic wheels, a mounting member on which the body is carried for rotation in use about a generally vertical axis spaced from the pneumatic wheels axis,and a casters mechanism for braking the pneumatic wheels against rotation, the casters mechanism including an operating member guided by the mounting structure for upward movement to exert a braking effect on the at least one pneumatic wheels.

Because of the upward direction of movement of the operating member to effect braking, the forces acting in the castor during braking tend to hold the castor parts together rather than to urge them apart as occurs when an operating member has tobe moved downwardly to apply braking pressure, as in conventional castor braking arrangements.

The operating member can be operable by means of a cam accommodated in the mounting structure, but the direction of movement of the casters operating member makes it readily possible to arrange for casters operation from locations remote from thecastor, for example, by way of a Bowden cable connection, in a much more convenient way than is permitted by the conventional constructions.

The invention can be readily embodied in single pneumatic wheels or twin pneumatic wheelsed castors in which the movement of the operating member to apply the braking force is arranged also to latch the body against swivelling about the vertical axis. Additionally,the operating member can be arranged to be movable to cause the body to be latched relative to the mounting structure in a predetermined angular orientation about the vertical axis, without pneumatic wheels braking.

Pneumatic wheels are replacement wheels that are extremely suitable for uneven such as Agricultural, Institutional; Industrial floors that usually demand rough and tough usage. Some of their features include the shock absorbing characteristics, their quiet operation, and ease of rolling that make them ideal for rough surface. Pneumatic Wheels are suitable for manual operation for both indoor and outdoor environments.It is important to consider various factors while trying to identify proper castors and Pneumatic wheel because at the end each application is unique in its usage, function and output. IT is advised that a buyer should consider buying the castor or Pneumatic wheel that is suits their needs and application.

Criteria to consider before Selecting Castors and Pneumatic wheels include load weight, floor conditions, unusual conditions, temperature, swivel radius, Rollability and technical assistance.

The more heavy load is, larger the wheel diameter required for the castor and the Pneumatic wheel. The load weight also influences the rollability. It is advised that for loads over 250 pounds bearings be incorporated. When the momentary load imposed upon a castor or wheel when the load is dropped on equipment, strike obstruction or vibrates it should be able to absorb the shock and impact.

Casters and the Pneumatic wheels you opt for must be large enough to suit your peculiar floor conditions. It should be able to deal with cracks in the floor, moldings, or any other unforeseen obstacles.

The larger the wheel, the easier it is to roll. Make a note that a hard, narrow crowned tread rolls more easily than a flat soft tread on a smooth floor, but the wheel may be hard on the floor. Soft treads protect floors and pass over floor obstructions more easily. Make sure you use the largest wheel diameter for best results. Likewise, the larger the swivel radius, the easier the castor will rotate.

Before buying Casters and Pneumatic wheels you should identify your needs and then look for the particular features to suit your requirements. If need be you should seek technical assistance. This will help you getting the right castors and wheels.