U.S. patent application number 16/384377 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for caster system for moving furniture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vitalii Savruha, Volodimir I. Vavrenyuk. Invention is credited to Vitalii Savruha, Volodimir I. Vavrenyuk.
Application Number | 20190322134 16/384377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68101706 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190322134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Savruha; Vitalii ; et
al. |
October 24, 2019 |
CASTER SYSTEM FOR MOVING FURNITURE
Abstract
A caster system, including a housing portion, which includes
first and second side walls defining an operational space
therebetween and an upper wall including a central bore. A rolling
assembly is disposed in the operational space, and is rotatable
relative to the housing. The rolling assembly includes an exterior
rim formed of a resilient material having at least one coloring
agent embedded therein. A vertical connection assembly includes a
shaft adapted to be fixed to a furniture article and to extend
through the central bore in the upper wall. The housing portion is
rotatable about the shaft of the vertical connection assembly. The
coloring agent is adapted to be luminescent or phosphorescent in a
dark environment.
Inventors: |
Savruha; Vitalii; (Dnepr,
UA) ; Vavrenyuk; Volodimir I.; (Kamianske,
UA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Savruha; Vitalii
Vavrenyuk; Volodimir I. |
Dnepr
Kamianske |
|
UA
UA |
|
|
Family ID: |
68101706 |
Appl. No.: |
16/384377 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62662090 |
Apr 24, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 7/006 20130101;
B60B 33/0028 20130101; B60B 33/0057 20130101; B60B 33/0073
20130101; B60B 2360/00 20130101; B60B 2200/20 20130101; B60B 7/004
20130101; B60B 33/0068 20130101; B60B 2900/131 20130101; B60B
33/0002 20130101; B60B 33/0049 20130101; B60B 2900/572 20130101;
B60B 33/0081 20130101; B60B 2900/571 20130101; B60B 2360/50
20130101; B60B 33/0039 20130101; B60B 2380/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60B 33/00 20060101
B60B033/00 |
Claims
1. A caster system, comprising: a housing portion including: first
and second side walls defining an operational space therebetween;
and an upper wall including a central bore; a rolling assembly
disposed in said operational space, said rolling assembly being
rotatable relative to said first and second side walls, and
including: a hub; a rigid interior disk surrounding said hub; and
an exterior rim formed of a resilient material having at least one
coloring agent embedded therein; and a vertical connection
assembly, including a shaft adapted to be fixed to a furniture
article and to extend through said central bore in said upper wall,
wherein said housing portion is rotatable about said shaft of said
vertical connection assembly, and wherein said coloring agent is
adapted to be luminescent or phosphorescent in a dark
environment.
2. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said first and second side
walls of said housing portion each includes a side extension having
a side extension bore formed therein, and said housing portion
further includes a first extension extending from said upper wall
between said side extensions, said first extension being
substantially flush with said upper wall.
3. The caster system of claim 2, further including a brake assembly
comprising: a brake plate having a first end and a second end, said
first end being fixedly attached to said first extension and said
second end being disposed adjacent said rolling assembly; and a
brake pedal disposed above said brake plate, and pivotally
connected to said side extensions of said housing portion via said
extension bores, said brake pedal being pivotable, relative to said
housing portion, between a first position and a second position,
wherein, when said brake pedal is in said first position, said
brake pedal engages said brake plate while said brake plate is
distant from said rolling assembly, such that said rolling assembly
can rotate relative to said housing, and when said brake pedal is
in said second position, said brake pedal pushes said brake plate
toward said exterior rim, such that said brake plate engages said
exterior rim of said rolling assembly and rotation of said rolling
assembly relative to said housing is prevented.
4. The caster system of claim 3, wherein said brake pedal is
adapted to be transitioned between said first position and said
second position under force applied by the foot of an operator
using the caster system.
5. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said vertical connection
assembly further includes first and second bearing disposed about
said shaft and engaging respective upper and lower surfaces of said
upper wall.
6. The caster system of claim 5, wherein at least one of said first
and said second bearings comprises ball bearings.
7. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said resilient exterior
rim comprises a resin composition including phosphorescent phosphor
pigments as said coloring agent, such that exterior rim is adapted
to exhibit a color in a lighted environment and to luminesce in
said dark environment.
8. The caster system of claim 7, wherein said luminescence of said
exterior rim has a color similar to said color exhibited in said
lighted environment.
9. The caster system of claim 7, wherein said resilient exterior
rim further includes at least one fluorescent dye as said coloring
agent.
10. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said coloring agent is
adapted to receive illumination from at least one external light
source and to provide a decaying glow from said illumination.
11. The caster system claim 1, wherein said exterior rim is smooth
and is adapted to maintain a supporting surface, on which said
rolling assembly is rolled, unharmed.
12. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said resilient material
is selected such that said rolling assembly is adapted to roll over
a small obstacle having a height of at most 1 cm without hindrance
to movement of said rolling assembly.
13. The caster system of claim 1, wherein said resilient material
is selected so as to absorbs shocks to said rolling assembly during
rotation thereof relative to said housing portion.
14. A movable furniture article, comprising: a furniture article
body; and a plurality of caster systems according to claim 1,
wherein said shaft of each of said plurality of caster systems is
fixedly attached to said furniture article body, wherein said
plurality of caster systems are adapted to enable an operator to
move said furniture article, and wherein said exterior rims of said
plurality of caster systems are adapted to luminesce or fluoresce
when the furniture article is in a dark environment, thus enabling
the operator to move the furniture article safely in the dark.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/662,090 filed on Apr. 24, 2018, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosed technology relates generally to mechanisms for
moving furniture pieces, and more specifically to a caster for
moving pieces of furniture which caster is visible in a dark
environment.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,499 to De Caro is directed to a roller
blade wheel lighting system for increasing the visibility of the
user when roller blading in the darkness, without requiring an
external power source. The device of De Caro includes a transparent
cylindrical plastic rim rotatably secured to a conventional blade
support member of a roller blade, an illuminating means positioned
within the transparent cylindrical plastic rim. A hard rubber rim
secured around the transparent cylindrical rubber rim.
Specifically, the illuminating means comprise LEDs disposed within
the transparent rubber rim.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,930 to Benavides is directed to a
phosphorescent vehicle part identification accessory, which
comprises an article or molded plastic having formed therewith a
phosphorescent compound adapted for glowing for a period following
exposure to light energy. The phosphorescent article is secured to
the vehicle in a location thereon for receiving illumination from
other vehicles and external light sources and providing a decaying
glow therefrom. The phosphorescent article may comprise a vehicle
wheel valve stem cap, a strip, or a tab adapted for positioning
about a vehicle keyhole.
[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0042886 to
Peters et al is directed to a mechanism having a brake motor
adapted to connect to a vehicle and a brake caliper having a brake
pad. The brake caliper clamps the brake pad against the brake rotor
to slow the vehicle. The clamping causes heating of the brake rotor
and a hydrocarbon release. The mechanism also includes a glowing
member connected to an outboard face of the brake rotor such that
heating causes glowing of the glowing member. The glowing member
provides a visually pleasing aesthetic appearance from the brake
rotor visible to a bystander.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,864 to Phillips et al is directed to
compositions and molded, extruded or formed phosphorescent plastic
articles produced therefrom that contain non-radioactive,
non-sulfide phosphorescent phosphor pigments that emit light in the
visible spectrum. The plastic articles produced from such
compositions exhibit attractive and clear fluorescent daylight
color and strong, long-lasting glow-in-the-dark luminescence having
a color similar to that of the daylight color.
[0007] However, none of the prior art arrangements provide for a
caster for moving furniture, which caster is visible in a dark
environment and enables smooth movement of heavy furniture
articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention relates generally to mechanisms for moving
furniture pieces, and more specifically to a caster for moving
pieces of furniture which caster is visible in a dark environment.
More specifically, the invention provides a caster having increased
visibility when rolled/moved in a dark environment, without
requiring an external power source. The caster of the invention not
only provides a smooth motion of the furniture article, but also
facilitates shock absorption while moving the furniture article
over an uneven surface or over obstacles.
[0009] In the context of the present application, the term
"furniture article" relates to any heavy article designed to be
placed in a room, including, but not limited to, tables, work
surfaces, electrical appliances, sofas, closets, cabinets, chairs
including office chairs, beds and gurneys, medical equipment,
musical instruments, and the like.
[0010] In the context of the present application, the term "caster"
includes any type of support structure for a furniture article
which enables the furniture article to be rollingly displaced or
moved on a support surface. Thus, a caster includes a device having
at least one wheel, roller, or the like.
[0011] Accordingly, one goal of the present invention is to provide
a caster system which overcomes drawbacks of the prior art, by
providing a caster system which is visible in a dark environment
without requiring an external power source, while facilitating
smooth movement of the furniture article moved by the caster, and
shock absorption enabling movement of the furniture article over
uneven ground and over obstacles.
[0012] There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosed technology, a caster system, including a housing
portion, which includes first and second side walls defining an
operational space therebetween and an upper wall including a
central bore. A rolling assembly is disposed in the operational
space and is rotatable relative to the first and second side walls.
The rolling assembly includes a hub, a rigid interior disk
surrounding the hub, and an exterior rim formed of a resilient
material having at least one coloring agent embedded therein. A
vertical connection assembly includes a shaft adapted to be fixed
to a furniture article and to extend through the central bore in
the upper wall. The housing portion is rotatable about the shaft of
the vertical connection assembly, and the coloring agent is adapted
to be luminescent or phosphorescent in a dark environment.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first and second side walls of the
housing portion each includes a side extension having a side
extension bore formed therein, and the housing portion further
includes a first extension extending from the upper wall between
the side extensions, the first extension being substantially flush
with the upper wall.
[0014] In some embodiments, the caster system further includes a
brake assembly including a brake plate and a brake pedal. The brake
plate has a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly
attached to the first extension and the second end being disposed
adjacent the rolling assembly. The brake pedal is disposed above
the brake plate and is pivotally connected to the side extensions
of the housing portion via the extension bores, such that the brake
pedal is pivotable, relative to the housing portion, between a
first position and a second position. In the first position, the
brake pedal engages the brake plate while the brake plate is
distant from the rolling assembly, such that the rolling assembly
can rotate relative to the housing. In the second position, the
brake pedal pushes the brake plate toward the exterior rim, such
that the brake plate engages the exterior rim of the rolling
assembly and rotation of the rolling assembly relative to the
housing is prevented.
[0015] In some embodiments, the brake pedal is adapted to be
transitioned between the first position and the second position
under force applied by the foot of an operator using the caster
system.
[0016] In some embodiments, the vertical connection assembly
further includes first and second bearing disposed about the shaft
and engaging respective upper and lower surfaces of the upper wall.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first and the second
bearings includes ball bearings.
[0017] In some embodiments, the resilient exterior rim includes a
resin composition including phosphorescent phosphor pigments as the
coloring agent, such that exterior rim is adapted to exhibit a
color in a lighted environment and to luminesce in the dark
environment. In some such embodiments, the luminescence of the
exterior rim has a color similar to the color exhibited in the
lighted environment.
[0018] In some embodiments, the resilient exterior rim further
includes at least one fluorescent dye as the coloring agent.
[0019] In some embodiments, the coloring agent is adapted to
receive illumination from at least one external light source and to
provide a decaying glow from the illumination.
[0020] In some embodiments, the exterior rim is smooth and is
adapted to maintain a supporting surface, on which the rolling
assembly is rolled, unharmed.
[0021] In some embodiments, the resilient material is selected such
that the rolling assembly is adapted to roll over a small obstacle
having a height of at most 1 cm without hindrance to movement of
the rolling assembly.
[0022] In some embodiments, the resilient material is selected so
as to absorbs shocks to the rolling assembly during rotation
thereof relative to the housing portion.
[0023] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment
of the disclosed technology, a movable furniture article, including
a furniture article body and a plurality of caster systems as
described herein, the shaft of each of the plurality of caster
systems being fixedly attached to the furniture article body. The
plurality of caster systems are adapted to enable an operator to
move the furniture article, and the exterior rims of the plurality
of caster systems are adapted to luminesce or fluoresce when the
furniture article is in a dark environment, thus enabling the
operator to move the furniture article safely in the dark.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The foregoing discussion will be understood more readily
from the following detailed description of the invention, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGS. (1-10), in
which:
[0025] FIGS. 1a and 1b are exploded view illustrations of two
versions of a caster system according to a first embodiment of the
disclosed technology.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustration of the caster
system of FIG. 1, when constructed.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustration of the caster system
of FIG. 1, when constructed.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view illustration of the
caster system of FIG. 1, when constructed.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a first sectional illustration of the caster
system of FIG. 2, the sectional illustration taken along section
lines 5-5 in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 6 is second a sectional illustration of the caster
system of FIG. 2, the sectional illustration taken along section
lines 6-6 in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIGS. 7a and 7b are partial and enlarged sectional
illustrations of a brake portion of the caster system of FIG. 3,
the sectional illustration taken along section lines 7a,b-7a,b in
FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view illustration of a caster
system according to a second embodiment of the disclosed
technology.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view illustration of the
caster system of FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustration of the caster system
of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The disclosed technology relates generally to mechanisms for
moving furniture articles by caster systems, and more specifically
to caster systems which are visible in a dark environment and
facilitate movement of the furniture article over uneven ground or
obstacles.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1a and 1b, which are exploded
view illustration of two versions of caster systems 10a and 10b
according to a first embodiment of the disclosed technology, to
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, which are, respectively, side, top, and front
plan view illustrations of the caster system 10b, and to FIGS. 5,
6, 7a, and 7b, which are sectional illustrations of the caster
system 10b.
[0037] As seen in FIGS. 1a and 1b, caster systems 10a and 10b
according to the disclosed technology includes a housing portion 12
including first and second side walls 14 and 16. The side walls 14
and 16 each include a bore 18, and are separated from each other by
an operational space. Housing portion 12 further includes a
generally circular upper wall 22, surrounded by a generally
circumferential rim wall 24 and including a central through going
bore 26.
[0038] Upper wall 22 includes an extension 28 having a plurality of
bores 30 therein. A pair of side extensions 34 and 36 extend from
side walls 14 and 16, such that extension 28 is disposed between
side extensions 34 and 36. Each of side extensions 34 and 36
terminates in a bore 38, such that bores 38 are aligned with one
another. In some embodiments, an upper edge of side extensions 34
and 36 is flush with upper edge of side 22.
[0039] A rolling assembly 40 is adapted to be connected to housing
12 via bores 18 in side walls 14 and 16. Specifically, the rolling
assembly 40 includes a hub 42, and an interior disk 44 surrounding
huh 42. Interior disk 44 is typically formed of a hard and rigid
material, and is surrounded by an exterior rim 46 formed of
resilient material.
[0040] As seen clearly in FIG. 5, hub 42 includes a central bore
48, surrounded by two bearing seats 50. Bearings 52 are seated
within seats 50 in hub 42, thereby to form part of rolling assembly
40. In some embodiments, the bearings 52 comprise ball
bearings.
[0041] Rolling assembly 40 is adapted to be disposed within the
operational space and to be connected to side walls 14 and 16 of
housing 12 by an axle shaft 54 adapted to be threaded through bores
18 of the side walls and bore 48 of hub 42. In caster system 10a of
FIG. 1a, the axle shaft being held in place by fasteners 56.
[0042] A brake assembly 60, includes a brake pedal 62 adapted to be
activated by a foot of an operator, and a brake plate 64, disposed
beneath the brake pedal 62. Brake plate 64 is adapted to be fixedly
connected to extension 28 of housing 12, for example by connectors
66. In the embodiment of FIG. 1b, brake plate 64 includes a seat 65
for engagement of the brake pedal, and a slot 67.
[0043] Brake pedal 62 includes a first end 68 and a second end 70
adapted to be engaged by the foot of the operator. Additionally,
brake pedal includes side surfaces 72, each including a bore 74.
Brake pedal 62 further includes a first protrusion 78a and a second
protrusion 78b extending substantially at the center of the brake
pedal, distally to an upper surface thereof.
[0044] As seen clearly in FIGS. 7a and 7b, brake pedal is adapted
to be pivotally connected to side extensions 34 and 36 of housing
12 by an axle 79 extending through bores 38 in side extensions 34
and 36 and bores 74 of brake pedal 62.
[0045] In a first, unlocked orientation of the brake pedal 62,
illustrated in FIG. 7a, first end 68 of the brake pedal engages
extension 28 of the housing and/or connectors 66 connecting the
brake plate 64 to the housing. In this operative orientation, first
protrusion 78a engages the brake plate 64, but does not apply
pressure thereto, and second protrusion 78b is distant from brake
plate 64, such that the brake plate does not engage the rolling
assembly 40 and the caster system is movable by rolling the rolling
assembly 40.
[0046] In a second, locked operative orientation of the brake pedal
62, illustrated in FIG. 7b, the brake pedal is rotated relative to
side extensions 34/36, such that first end 68 of the brake pedal is
distant from extension 28 and/or connectors 66. The rotation of the
brake pedal causes protrusion 78b to engage the brake plate 64 and
to push the brake plate downward to engage resilient exterior rim
46. Engagement between the brake plate 64 and the exterior rim 46
prevents rotation of the rolling assembly 40 relative to axle shaft
54, and as such prevents rolling of the caster system 10.
[0047] The operator may transition the brake pedal 62 from the
unlocked operative orientation to the locked operative orientation
by pushing downward on second end 70 of the brake pedal, for
example using his/her foot. Conversely, the operator may transition
the brake pedal 62 from the locked operative orientation to the
unlocked operative orientation by raising second end 70 of the
brake pedal relative to the rolling assembly 40.
[0048] Caster systems 10a and 10b further includes respective
vertical connection assemblies 80a and 80b.
[0049] Vertical connection assembly 80a of FIG. 1a includes a base
portion 82a, fixedly attached to a connection shaft 84a. Vertical
connection assembly 80a is adapted to be connected to housing 12 by
insertion of a lower end of connection shaft 84a into central bore
26 of upper wall 22. An upper bearing 90a is adapted to be disposed
within base portion 82a of vertical connection assembly 80a, and to
engage an upper surface of upper wall 22. A lower bearing 92a is
adapted to be disposed about the lower end of the connection shaft
and to engage a lower surface of upper wall 22. An upper end of
connection shaft 84a is adapted to be fixedly anchored to a
furniture article, for example to a lower surface thereof.
[0050] Connection shaft 84a and bearings 90a and 92a facilitate
rotation of the housing 12, together with brake assembly 60 and
rolling assembly 40, relative to the furniture article.
[0051] Vertical connection assembly 80b of FIG. 1b, also
illustrated in cross section in FIG. 6, includes a base portion 82b
and a connection shaft 84b having a lower end 86b and an upper end
88b. Vertical connection assembly 80b is adapted to be connected to
housing 12 by insertion of lower end 86b of connection shaft 84b
into central bore 26 of upper wall 22, as shown clearly in FIG. 6.
An upper bearing 90b is adapted to be disposed within base portion
82b of vertical connection assembly 80b, and to engage an upper
surface of upper wall 22. A lower bearing 92b is adapted to be
disposed about lower end 86b of the connection shaft and to engage
a lower surface of upper wall 22. Lower bearing 92b may be held in
place by a lower anchoring portion 94b, shown clearly in FIG. 6.
Upper end 88b of connection shaft 84b is adapted to be fixedly
anchored to a furniture article, for example to a lower surface
thereof.
[0052] Connection shaft 84b and bearings 90b and 92b facilitate
rotation of the housing 12, together with brake assembly 60 and
rolling assembly 40, relative to the furniture article.
[0053] In use, when brake pedal 62 is in the locked operative
orientation, the caster system 10 allows a furniture article
attached thereto to be fixed in a desired or predetermined position
or location. Conversely, when brake pedal 62 is in the unlocked
operative orientation, the caster system 10 allows the furniture
article attached thereto to be moved from one location to
another.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a side plan view
illustration of a caster system 100 according to a second
embodiment of the disclosed technology, to FIG. 9, which is a front
plan view illustration of the caster system 100, and to FIG. 10,
which is a top plan view illustration of the caster system 100.
[0055] Caster system 100 is similar to caster system 10 of FIGS. 1
to 7b, with like numbers representing like elements. Caster system
100 differs from caster system 10 in that caster system 100
excludes brake assembly 60 (FIG. 1). As such, housing portion 112
of caster system 100 including first and second side walls 114 and
116, which do not include side extensions for connection of a brake
assembly as shown in FIG. 1. Housing portion 112 further includes a
generally circular upper wall 122, surrounded by a generally
circumferential rim wall 124 and including a central through going
bore 126, but does not include an extension for connection of a
brake assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0056] Turning now to structural characteristics of rolling
assembly 40, resilient exterior rim 46 is constructed as a thick
layer of a resilient material disposed around inner disk 44. An
exterior surface of exterior rim 46 is typically smooth. The
exterior rim 46 may be formed of any suitable resilient material,
such as polyurethane. Due to the resiliency of this the exterior
rim 46, when a furniture article is moved on one or more caster
systems 10/100, the supporting surface (e.g. a floor surface, or a
floor covering such as a carpet), remains unharmed.
[0057] The caster system 10/100 further enables a user to freely
move/roll the furniture article, while not being hindered by an
uneven supporting surface or by small obstacles on the supporting
surface such as wires, thresholds, and the like. Additionally, the
resilient material of rim 46 enables the user to move the furniture
article with less friction and resistance, comparable to prior art.
Furthermore, when furniture is moved using one or more caster
systems 10/100 as described herein, the caster system is capable of
absorbing shocks while providing smooth motion of the furniture
article. The absorbance of shocks is particularly important when
moving sensitive items, such as musical instruments and medical
machinery.
[0058] In some embodiments, exterior rim 46 may be colored or dyed,
for example by addition of coloring agents thereto. In such
embodiments, the coloring agent may be a fluorescent dye or other
substance providing a light-emitting effect or light reflecting
effect, such that the exterior rim glows when in a dark
environment. In such embodiments, the furniture article may be
moved more easily in the dark, and injuries during moving of
furniture items in the dark may be prevented.
[0059] In some embodiments, phosphorescent phosphor pigments that
emit light in the visible spectrum are added to resin compositions
used for creating the exterior rim 46. For example, the exterior
rim 46 may be formed of transparent or translucent resins and the
phosphorescent phosphor pigments may be added to such resins. In
such embodiments, exterior rim 46 may exhibit a clear fluorescent
color in a lighted environment, and in a dark environment may
provide a long-lasting glow-in-the-dark luminescence having a color
similar to that exhibited in a lighted environment.
[0060] In some embodiments, polymer-soluble fluorescent dyes may be
added to the exterior rim 46, for example in combination with
phosphorescent pigments, to provide a greater variety of colors
visible in lighted and dark environments.
[0061] In some embodiments, the coloring agent is added to the
exterior rim, or the resilient material, during manufacturing of
the caster unit. For example, a phosphorescent compound adapted for
glowing for a period following exposure to light energy may be
added during the molding process of the exterior rim 46. In some
such embodiments, the phosphorescent exterior rim 46 is adapted to
receive illumination from external light sources and to provide a
decaying glow therefrom. The phosphorescent exterior rim
facilitates visibility of the associated furniture article
especially when it is moved in darkness, thereby imparting safety
as well as affording a degree of convenience to the user.
[0062] It is a particular feature of the structure of caster
assembly 10/100 that the assembly may withstand a substantial load,
for example supporting a furniture article having a weight in the
range of 1 to 300 kg, without losing the mobility of the rotating
elements. Naturally, a greater number of caster assemblies may
support a greater weight. For example, 10 caster assemblies may
support a greater weight than 3 or 4 caster assemblies.
[0063] It will be appreciated that certain features of the
invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of
separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a
single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention,
which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single
embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable
sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of
the invention. Certain features described in the context of various
embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those
embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those
elements.
[0064] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
[0065] Citation or identification of any reference in this
application shall not be construed as an admission that such
reference is available as prior art to the invention.
* * * * *