U.S. patent application number 17/448092 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for wheel assemblies removable without tools.
The applicant listed for this patent is GEO PLASTICS. Invention is credited to Michael Abraham Morris, William Michael Palleva.
Application Number | 20220001694 17/448092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220001694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris; Michael Abraham ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
WHEEL ASSEMBLIES REMOVABLE WITHOUT TOOLS
Abstract
A hub or wheel assembly includes a retaining element, biasing
element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing
includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin
sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle
bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the
second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is
configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing
element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the
retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable
release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element
away from the axle bore.
Inventors: |
Morris; Michael Abraham;
(Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) ; Palleva; William Michael;
(Cerritos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GEO PLASTICS |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/448092 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16587414 |
Sep 30, 2019 |
11124021 |
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17448092 |
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15588239 |
May 5, 2017 |
10427456 |
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16587414 |
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14956069 |
Dec 1, 2015 |
9724964 |
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15588239 |
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13761066 |
Feb 6, 2013 |
9205703 |
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14956069 |
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13652273 |
Oct 15, 2012 |
8590984 |
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13761066 |
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61596112 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
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61680861 |
Aug 8, 2012 |
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61596112 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
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61680861 |
Aug 8, 2012 |
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International
Class: |
B60B 27/06 20060101
B60B027/06; B60B 37/10 20060101 B60B037/10; B60B 37/04 20060101
B60B037/04; B60B 27/02 20060101 B60B027/02; B65F 1/14 20060101
B65F001/14 |
Claims
1. A wheel assembly comprising: a wheel including an axle bore, and
a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the
axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and
the second end; a retaining member in the conduit and configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle; a biasing element in the
conduit and configured to bias the retaining member towards the
axle bore; and a hand maneuverable release mechanism configured to
displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/587,414, filed on Sep. 30, 2019 and issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 11,124,021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/588,239, filed on May 5, 2017 and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,427,456, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/956,069, filed on Dec. 1, 2015 and issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,724,964, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/761,066, filed on Feb. 6, 2013 and issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,205,703, which claims priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent App. No. 61/596,112, filed on Feb. 7, 2012, and
U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/680,861, filed Aug. 8, 2012,
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/761,066 is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/652,273, filed on Oct. 15, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,590,984, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
App. No. 61/596,112, filed on Feb. 7, 2012, and U.S. Provisional
Patent App. No. 61/680,861, filed Aug. 8, 2012, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present application generally relates to wheel
assemblies and the manner of their mounting to and removal from an
axle, and, more particularly, to wheel and hub assemblies used on
refuse carts and the like.
Description of Related Art
[0003] The use of plastic wheels on a variety of products has
dramatically increased in recent years. One area in which such
plastic wheels have been widely employed is on wheeled refuse or
garbage carts or bins of the type commonly employed by homeowners
for their trash and recyclables. These carts traditionally have
plastic wheels that are mounted on the ends of a metal axle by a
hub member or push-on hat fastener (sometimes referred to as a
"pawl nut"). The wheel hub is hammered onto the end of the axle to
hold the wheel in place. Removal of such plastic wheels in order to
replace or repair the wheel or the cart can be difficult because
the hammered push-on hat fasteners or hubs require special tools
for their removal, or essentially must be destroyed to remove them
from the axle. Sometimes this process also damages the axles.
Wheel-mounting sleeve assemblies have been devised which snap-on to
a pre-machined axle to hold the wheel to the axle. However, these
snap-on wheel assemblies have been unduly complex, visually
unappealing, and poorly suited to the shock loading and vibration
commonly encountered.
SUMMARY
[0004] The design of some wheel and hub assemblies limits the
method of removing the wheel assembly from the axle to prying the
wheel off or removing it with a tool via a tool passageway in the
retainer housing of the hub assembly. The limits of wheel assembly
removal can create difficulties when a user seeks to remove the
wheel for repair, maintenance, distribution, transportation for
sale, and the like, and does not have a tool or does not have an
appropriate tool for wheel assembly removal. Additionally, a tool
passageway initially covered by a membrane may not be effective in
thwarting unwanted removal by vandals once the membrane has been
punctured. At least one aspect of the present invention is the
realization of the advantages that may be gained from a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism. A hand-maneuverable release
mechanism, or pressure release mechanism, or touch release
mechanism, or finger-maneuverable release mechanism, can present
additional options for wheel assembly removal. A hand-maneuverable
release mechanism can allow a user to remove the wheel assembly
from an axle without the use of a tool. A hand-maneuverable release
mechanism can increase the efficiency of wheel assembly and/or
removal. A hand-maneuverable release mechanism can inhibit
accidental removal or unwanted removal by vandals due to the
ability of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism to be at least
partially hidden (e.g., by the body of a cart, camouflaged by wheel
markings), or could be visually or otherwise identifiable. Certain
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms may be pulled radially outward
to pull a retaining element radially outward, may be pushed
radially inward and leveraged to pull a retaining element radially
outward, and/or may be rotated to pull a retaining element radially
outward. A conveyance, such as a refuse cart, may include a wheel
assembly including a hand-maneuverable release mechanism. An axle
assembly may include a wheel assembly including a hand-maneuverable
release mechanism, for example to help ensure the number of wheel
assemblies corresponds to the number of axles during shipment.
[0005] In some embodiments, a hub assembly comprises a housing, a
retaining element, a biasing element, and a hand-maneuverable
release mechanism. The housing includes an axle sleeve and a pin
sleeve. The axle sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive
an axle. The pin sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is
in fluid communication with the axle bore. The retaining element is
within the conduit. The retaining element is configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is
within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element
towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore. The release mechanism includes a tab, a lifter connected to
the tab, and a connector coupled to the tab and coupled to the
lifter. The tab is configured to be manipulated by a hand of a
user. The lifter is configured to interact with the retaining
element. Movement of the tab is configured to cause movement of the
lifter.
[0006] In some embodiments, the hub assembly comprises a
restraining element configured to inhibit at least one of the
retaining element and the biasing element from exiting the second
end of the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the restraining element
comprises a plug mechanically coupled to the second end of the pin
sleeve. In some embodiments, the retaining element includes a lip
configured to interact with the release mechanism. In some
embodiments, the lifter includes a fork including prongs on two
sides of the lip of the retaining element. In some embodiments, the
release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element
upon manipulation of the tab away from the axle bore. In some
embodiments, the release mechanism is configured to displace the
retaining element upon manipulation of the tab towards the axle
bore. In some embodiments, the housing includes a bearing surface
configured to increase leverage between the release mechanism and
the retaining element. In some embodiments, the connector is
substantially orthogonal to the tab and to the lifter. In some
embodiments, the connector is connected to at least one of the tab
and the lifter at an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the release
mechanism is on a same side of the hub assembly as the axle bore.
In some embodiments, the release mechanism further comprises a
guide arm coupled to the tab. In some embodiments, the release
mechanism comprises buttressing features. In some embodiments, the
housing includes an end wall including plurality of false release
mechanisms. In some embodiments, the housing includes a tool
passageway on an opposite side of the hub assembly from the release
mechanism. In some embodiments, the housing includes a spacer
configured to space the hub assembly from a body of a conveyance.
In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a guiderail. In some
embodiments, a wheel assembly comprises a wheel and the hub
assembly inserted in the wheel. In some embodiments, an axle
assembly comprises an axle, the wheel assembly coupled to the axle,
and a second wheel assembly coupled to the axle. In some
embodiments, a conveyance comprises the wheel assembly. In some
embodiments, the conveyance comprises a refuse cart.
[0007] In some embodiments, a hub assembly comprises a retainer
housing, a retaining element, a biasing element, and a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The retainer housing includes
an axle sleeve a pin sleeve. The axle sleeve includes an axle bore
configured to receive an axle. The pin sleeve includes a first end,
a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second
end. The first end in fluid communication with the axle bore. The
retaining element is within the conduit of the pin sleeve. The
retaining element is configured to operatively engage a groove in
an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit of the pin
sleeve and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the
axle. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to
displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.
[0008] In some embodiments, the release mechanism is on a same side
of the hub assembly as the axle bore. In some embodiments, the
release mechanism is on an opposite side of the hub assembly from
the axle bore. In some embodiments, the retainer housing includes
an end wall including a stop. In some embodiments, the retainer
housing includes a protrusion configured to interact with a groove
in the hand-maneuverable release mechanism. In some embodiments,
the hub assembly further comprises a cover coupled to the retainer
housing. In some embodiments, the retainer housing includes an end
wall including plurality of false release mechanisms. In some
embodiments, the release mechanism includes a tab and a lifter
connected to the tab. The tab is configured to be manipulated by a
hand of a user. The lifter is configured to interact with the
retaining element. Movement of the tab is configured to cause
movement of the lifter. In some embodiments, the release mechanism
further comprises a connector coupled to the tab and coupled to the
lifter. In some embodiments, the connector is substantially
orthogonal to the tab and to the lifter. In some embodiments, the
connector is substantially non-orthogonal to the tab and to the
lifter. In some embodiments, the connector is connected to at least
one of the tab and the lifter at an obtuse angle. In some
embodiments, the release mechanism further comprises a guide arm
coupled to the tab. In some embodiments, the lifter is at least
partially in an aperture in the retaining element. In some
embodiments, the lifter includes an arcuate member at least
partially surrounding the retaining element. In some embodiments,
the arcuate member totally surrounds the retaining element. In some
embodiments, the lifter includes a fork including a prong on at
least one side of the retaining element. In some embodiments, the
fork includes prongs on two sides of the retaining element. In some
embodiments, the tab includes a weakened portion. In some
embodiments, the tab is configured to bend along the weakened
portion. In some embodiments, the tab is configured to break along
the weakened portion. In some embodiments, the lifter is
substantially parallel to the axle bore. In some embodiments, the
lifter is substantially orthogonal to the axle bore. In some
embodiments, the lifter at least partially covers a portion of the
retaining element. In some embodiments, the retaining element
comprises a lip and the portion of the retaining element comprises
the lip. In some embodiments, the lifter completely covers the
retaining element. In some embodiments, the tab is substantially
orthogonal to the retaining element. In some embodiments, the tab
is substantially non-orthogonal to the retaining element. In some
embodiments, the release mechanism further comprises an arm coupled
to the tab. In some embodiments, the release mechanism further
comprises a projection coupled to the tab. In some embodiments, the
projection includes a groove configured to interact with a
projection extending from the retainer housing. In some
embodiments, the arm is on the opposite side of the retainer
housing from the axle bore. the arm is on the opposite side of the
retainer housing from the axle bore. In some embodiments, the
release mechanism is integrated with the retaining element in a
hand-maneuverable retaining element. In some embodiments, wherein
the release mechanism includes a body, an arm extending outwardly
from the body, a ramped portion extending downward from the body,
and a lifter extending inwardly from the body. In some embodiments,
the retainer housing includes a lifting projection configured to
interact with the ramped portion. In some embodiments, upon
movement of the arm, the ramped portion interacts with the lifting
projection to translate the movement of the arm into longitudinal
movement of the lifter away from the axle bore. In some
embodiments, the release mechanism is configured to displace the
retaining element upon manipulation of a tab away from the axle
bore. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is configured to
displace the retaining element upon manipulation of a tab towards
the axle bore. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises
metal. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises
plastic. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises
buttressing features. In some embodiments, the retainer housing
includes a bearing surface configured to increase leverage between
the release mechanism and the retaining element. In some
embodiments, the retainer housing includes a tool passageway. In
some embodiments, the retainer housing includes a tamper-evident
membrane covering the tool passageway. In some embodiments, the
tool passageway is on an opposite side of the hub assembly from the
release mechanism. In some embodiments, the retaining element
includes a lip configured to interact with the release mechanism.
In some embodiments, the first end of the pin sleeve includes a
shoulder extending into the conduit and wherein the lip is wider
than the shoulder. In some embodiments, the hub assembly further
comprises a restraining element configured to inhibit at least one
of the retaining element and the biasing element from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the restraining
element configured includes a tail configured to at least partially
occlude a channel in the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the
retainer housing includes a spacer configured to space the hub
assembly from a cart body. In some embodiments, the spacer
comprises a guiderail. In some embodiments, the axle sleeve
comprises a guiderail.
[0009] In some embodiments, a hub assembly comprises a retaining
element, a hand-maneuverable release mechanism, and a tool
passageway. The retaining element is configured to operatively
engage a groove in an axle. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism
is configured to displace the retaining element away from the
groove in an axle. The tool passageway is configured to permit
tooled access to the retaining element.
[0010] In some embodiments, a conveyance comprises the hub
assembly. In some embodiments, a wheel assembly comprises a wheel
and the hub assembly inserted in the wheel. In some embodiments,
the release mechanism is at least partially obscured by the wheel.
In some embodiments, the biasing element abuts a portion of the
wheel. In some embodiments, a conveyance comprises the wheel
assembly. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is modifiable
to inhibit manipulation upon coupling to the conveyance. In some
embodiments, an axle assembly comprises an axle, the wheel assembly
coupled to the axle, and a second wheel assembly coupled to the
axle. The second wheel assembly comprises a wheel and a hub
assembly including a retainer housing, a retaining element, and a
biasing element. The retainer housing includes an axle sleeve and a
pin sleeve. The axle sleeve includes an axle bore configured to
receive an axle. The pin sleeve including a first end, a second
end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end. The
first end is in fluid communication with the axle bore. The
retaining element is within the conduit of the pin sleeve. The
retaining element is configured to operatively engage a groove in
an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit of the pin
sleeve and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the
axle bore. In some embodiments, the retainer housing of the second
wheel assembly includes a tool passageway. In some embodiments, a
conveyance comprises the axle assembly. In some embodiments, the
conveyance is a refuse cart.
[0011] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a hub
assembly comprises providing a retainer housing including an axle
sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a
pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a conduit
between the first end and the second end, the first end in fluid
communication with the axle bore, the first end including a
shoulder extending into the conduit; at least partially inserting a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in the pin sleeve; positioning
a retaining member in the pin sleeve, the retaining element
configured to secure a wheel on an axle by operatively engaging a
groove in the axle; and positioning a biasing element in the pin
sleeve, the biasing element configured to bias the retaining member
towards the axle bore.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least partially inserting the
release mechanism in the pin sleeve comprises sliding a portion of
the release mechanism along a channel in the pin sleeve. In some
embodiments, at least partially inserting the release mechanism in
the pin sleeve comprises inserting a portion of the release
mechanism in channel in the pin sleeve and rotating the release
mechanism. In some embodiments, positioning the retaining member in
the pin sleeve is after at least partially inserting the release
mechanism in the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the method
comprises forming the retainer housing. In some embodiments, the
method comprises occluding the second end of the pin sleeve. In
some embodiments, the method comprises coupling the hub assembly to
a wheel to form a wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the method
comprises forming the wheel. In some embodiments, the method
comprises coupling the wheel assembly to a conveyance. In some
embodiments, the method comprises coupling the wheel assembly to an
axle. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling a second
wheel assembly to the axle. In some embodiments, the method
comprises removing the wheel assembly from the axle. In some
embodiments, the method comprises re-coupling the wheel assembly to
the axle.
[0013] In some embodiments, a method of removing a hub assembly
from an axle comprises manually manipulating a tab of a release
mechanism to cause a retaining member to at least partially extend
out of an axle bore of a retainer housing.
[0014] In some embodiments, manipulating the tab includes moving
the tab radially outward. In some embodiments, manipulating the tab
includes moving the tab radially inward. In some embodiments,
manipulating the tab includes rotating the tab. In some
embodiments, rotating the tab is in a plane substantially
orthogonal to the axle bore.
[0015] In some embodiments, the wheel and hub assemblies may be a
single integrated component such that the wheel comprises an axle
bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve. The pin sleeve
including a first end, a second end, and a conduit between the
first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid
communication with the axle bore. A retaining element is within the
conduit of the pin sleeve. The retaining element is configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle. A biasing element is within
the conduit of the pin sleeve and is configured to bias the
retaining element towards the axle bore.
[0016] In some embodiments, the restraining element may comprise a
deformation in the pin sleeve. The deformation may be all around
the pin sleeve, in a single location, in a plurality of locations,
etc. In some embodiments the deformation comprises a plurality of
legs extending into the conduit. Some embodiments include four legs
that are spaced by about 90.degree. around a circumference of the
pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the deformation comprises an
annular rim around the circumference of the pin sleeve. In some
embodiments, the deformation may create angular edges at the second
end of the pin sleeve. These angular edges may be created through
increased heat and/or pressure in various parts of the second end
of the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the deformation may create
a square-like shape.
[0017] In some embodiments, a method of making a wheel assembly
comprises occluding a pin sleeve of a wheel, the wheel assembly
including, in the pin sleeve, a retaining element, a biasing
element, and a hand-maneuverable release mechanism configured to
displace the retaining element away from the axle bore, the wheel
including an axle bore in fluid communication with another end of
the pin sleeve and a conduit extending between the end and the
another end, wherein after occluding the pin sleeve the biasing
element is inhibited from exiting the end of the pin sleeve.
[0018] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the
invention are described herein. Of course, it is to be understood
that not necessarily all such objects or advantages need to be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for
example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention
may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or
optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or
suggested herein without necessarily achieving other objects or
advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0019] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will
become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description having reference to the attached
figures, the invention not being limited to any particular
disclosed embodiment(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings of
certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate certain
embodiments and not to limit the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a refuse cart including
a wheel assembly mounted thereto.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a wheel assembly.
[0023] FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of another side of the
wheel assembly of FIG. 2A.
[0024] FIG. 2C is a top perspective and cross-sectional view of the
wheel assembly of FIG. 2A along the line 2C-2C of FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 2D is an elevational view of the side of FIG. 2B of the
wheel assembly of FIG. 2A.
[0026] FIG. 2E is a side perspective view of another example
embodiment of a wheel assembly.
[0027] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of an example
embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0028] FIG. 3B is a top perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of an example embodiment of the hub assembly of FIG. 3A along
the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A and an axle.
[0029] FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0030] FIG. 3D is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub
assembly of FIG. 3A along the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A with a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a release position.
[0031] FIG. 3E is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub
assembly of FIG. 3A along the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A with a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a release position.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example
embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0033] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0034] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0035] FIG. 5C is a top perspective view of still another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0036] FIG. 5D is a top perspective view of yet another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0037] FIG. 5E is a top perspective view of yet still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0038] FIG. 5F is a top perspective view of a further another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 5G is a top perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism of FIG. 5F and a
retaining element.
[0040] FIG. 5H is a top perspective view of a yet further example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0041] FIG. 5I is a top perspective view of a yet still further
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0042] FIG. 5J is a top perspective view of a yet further still
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0043] FIG. 5K is a side cross-sectional view of an example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0044] FIG. 5L is a side cross-sectional view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0045] FIG. 5M is a side cross-sectional view of still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0046] FIG. 5N is a side cross-sectional view of yet another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0047] FIG. 5O is a side cross-sectional view of yet still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0048] FIG. 5P is a side cross-sectional view of a further example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0049] FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example
embodiment an axle assembly.
[0050] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the axle
assembly of FIG. 6A with a hand-maneuverable release mechanism in
the release position and a hub assembly disconnected from the
axle.
[0051] FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the axle
assembly of FIG. 6A reassembled.
[0052] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of still another example
embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0053] FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub
assembly of FIG. 7A along the line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A.
[0054] FIG. 8A is a partial top perspective view of yet another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0055] FIG. 8B is top perspective view of an example embodiment of
a restraining element.
[0056] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a side of another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0057] FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of another side of the hub
assembly of FIG. 9A.
[0058] FIG. 9C is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0059] FIG. 9D is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly of FIG. 9A along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9B.
[0060] FIG. 9E is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly of FIG. 9A along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9B with a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a release position.
[0061] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a side of yet another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0062] FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of another side of the
hub assembly of FIG. 10A.
[0063] FIG. 10C is a top perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0064] FIG. 10D is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly of FIG. 10A along the line 10D-10D of FIG. 10B.
[0065] FIG. 10E is a side and partial cross sectional view of the
hub assembly of FIG. 10A along the line 10D-10D of FIG. 10B with a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a release position.
[0066] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a side of yet another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0067] FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of another side of the
hub assembly of FIG. 11A.
[0068] FIG. 11C is a bottom perspective view of a side of another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0069] FIG. 11D is a top perspective view of another side of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism of FIG. 11C.
[0070] FIG. 11E is a bottom perspective view of an example
embodiment of a retainer housing.
[0071] FIG. 11F is a bottom perspective view of another example
embodiment of a retainer housing.
[0072] FIGS. 11Gi-11Giii are perspective views of an example
embodiment of at least a portion of a method of assembling a hub
assembly.
[0073] FIG. 11H is a top perspective, partial cross-sectional, and
partial cutaway view of the hub assembly of FIG. 11A along the line
11F-11F of FIG. 11B.
[0074] FIG. 11I is a top perspective, partial cross-sectional, and
partial cutaway view of the hub assembly of FIG. 11A along the line
11F-11F of FIG. 11B with a hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a
release position.
[0075] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a side of yet still
another example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0076] FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of another side of the
hub assembly of FIG. 12A.
[0077] FIG. 12C is a bottom perspective view of still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0078] FIG. 12D is a top perspective view of the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism of FIG. 12C.
[0079] FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view of a pin and the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism of FIG. 12C along the line
12E-12E of FIG. 12D.
[0080] FIG. 12F is a side perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of the hub assembly of FIG. 12A along the line 12F-12F of FIG.
12B.
[0081] FIG. 12G is a side perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of the hub assembly of FIG. 12A along the line 12F-12F of FIG.
12B with a hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a release
position.
[0082] FIG. 12H is a top perspective and partially exploded view of
another example embodiment of a hub assembly.
[0083] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of an integrated wheel assembly.
[0084] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly of
FIG. 13A along the line 13B-13B line of FIG. 13A.
[0085] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wheel
assembly of FIG. 13A along the line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A.
[0086] FIG. 13D is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
wheel assembly of FIG. 13A.
[0087] FIG. 13E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
example embodiment of a wheel assembly.
[0088] FIG. 13Fi is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
example embodiment of a wheel assembly.
[0089] FIG. 13Fii is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet
another example embodiment of a wheel assembly.
[0090] FIG. 13G is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of
still another example embodiment of a wheel assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0091] Although certain embodiments and examples are described
below, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses
and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is
intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should
not be limited by any particular embodiments described below.
[0092] The wheel assemblies described herein can be used in
connection with numerous wheeled devices. FIG. 1 illustrates an
example embodiment of a refuse cart 100 comprising a plurality of
wheel assemblies 200 mounted on an axle 700 to the lower end of the
cart body 102. A hinged lid 104 optionally can be provided, and the
cart 100 can be tilted or tipped about the wheel assemblies 200
using handle 106 so as to enable rolling of the cart 100 for the
transport of refuse, for example between a location for filling the
cart 100 and a location for pickup by a refuse disposal company.
The lower end of the cart body 102 optionally includes a wheel well
or recess area 108 configured to receive wheel assemblies 200, for
example to protect the wheel assemblies 200 and/or as a cosmetic
structure. As described in detail below, the wheel assemblies 200
are secured on the axle 700 by a hub assembly 400. The wheel
assemblies described herein are also suitable for use with other
wheeled products such as wagons, wheeled food and beverage coolers,
barbecues, wheeled toys, small refuse containers, golf carts,
scooters, bicycles, luggage, toys, lawn and garden products, garage
products, furniture, equipment, computers (e.g., servers), and the
like.
[0093] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a wheel assembly 200 (e.g., an "outer" side when the
wheel assembly 200 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). FIG.
2B is a bottom perspective view of another side of the wheel
assembly 200 of FIG. 2A (e.g., an "inner" side when the wheel
assembly 200 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700).
[0094] When viewing a cart 100 comprising a wheel assembly 200, a
user can generally see the entire outer side of the wheel assembly
200, but at least a portion of the inner side of the wheel assembly
200 can be at least partially obscured by the lower end of the cart
body 102 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1). The wheel assembly 200
comprises a wheel 202 and a hub assembly 400 coupled to (e.g.,
mounted in) the wheel 202.
[0095] The wheel 202 of the wheel assembly 200 illustrated in FIGS.
2A and 2B is injection molded. In certain embodiments, injection
molding the wheel 202 includes coupling a male mold and a female
mold and injecting molten material therebetween. After the material
has sufficiently hardened, the wheel 202 is removed from the molds.
In certain embodiments, tread 204 and/or spokes 206 are integrally
formed during the molding process. The tread 204 can help the wheel
202 to frictionally engage a surface during rolling movement (e.g.,
if coupled to an axle in a manner in which axle rotation causes
rotation of the wheel assembly 200) and/or can enhance the
appearance of the wheel 202 (e.g., as a decorative feature). In
some embodiments, the wheel 202 comprises a smooth tread. The
spokes 206 can help evenly distribute forces acting on the wheel
202 and can enhance the appearance of the wheel 202. Other features
of the wheel 202 may also be integrally formed by modifying the
mold. The injection molding process can form corrugated and/or
hollow interior surfaces 210 that can reduce the amount of material
used in creation of the wheel 202. Certain recesses 210 can provide
strength by being certain shapes, for example as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,481,498, issued on Jan. 27, 2009 for "Injection-Molded
Wheel Having a Plurality of Recesses in a Rim Portion," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In certain
embodiments, the wheel 202 comprises plastic (e.g., high density
polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g., high molecular weight HDPE)).
[0096] In some embodiments, the wheel is blow molded. Further
information about blow molded wheels can be found, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,005, issued on Apr. 3, 2012 for "Wheel and Hub
Assembly," which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Rolling surfaces of wheels, for example being smooth or
including treads 204, may be integrated into the molding process or
may be formed in a multi-step process known as multi-shot molding.
Further information about multi-shot molding can be found, for
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,911, issued on Oct. 18, 2011 for
"Wheel Including Tread Coupled to Rim," which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0097] It will be appreciated that wheel assemblies 200 described
herein may comprise wheels manufactured using other processes
(e.g., rotational or compression molding) and/or having other
features. For example, the wheel may comprise materials such as
wood, metal, rubber, combinations thereof, etc.
[0098] FIG. 2C is a top perspective and cross-sectional view of the
wheel assembly 200 of FIG. 2A along the line 2C-2C of FIG. 2A. In
the wheel assembly 200 embodied in FIG. 2C, a hub assembly 400 is
inserted into a sleeve bore 212 of the wheel 202. In some
embodiments, a wheel mounting sleeve or axle sleeve 424 may be
centered within the wheel 202 such that an axle 700 inserted into
the wheel mounting sleeve 424 (e.g., into a hub assembly 400
coupled to a wheel 202) can uniformly rotate. In some embodiments,
the hub assembly 400 includes an axle bore 416 configured to
receive an axle 700 so that the wheel assembly 200 may be mounted
on a cart 100, a retaining element 430 which extends into the axle
bore 416 configured to engage a groove 702 in the axle 700 so that
the wheel assembly may be secured on the axle 700, and a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 for convenient removal of
the wheel assembly 200 from the axle 700. The hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 may be a pressure release mechanism, a touch
release mechanism, and/or a finger (e.g., digit, thumb)
maneuverable release mechanism.
[0099] FIG. 2D is an elevational view of the side of FIG. 2B of the
wheel assembly 200 of FIG. 2A. When the wheel assembly 200 is
attached to a cart 100, this "inner" side may be at least partially
obscured from view by a lower end 102 of the cart 100. In certain
embodiments, the wheel 202 may contain a cutout or protrusion to
provide visual and/or tactile identification of a hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 and provide access to the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450. The term "cutout" does not necessarily mean
that material was removed, and can mean that material is omitted
during the formation of the object. In some embodiments, the wheel
assembly 400 may include a wheel mounting sleeve 424 including a
guiderail 434 corresponding to a cutout 234 in the wheel 202. In
some embodiments, the wheel assembly 400 may include a wheel
mounting sleeve 424 including a recess corresponding to a
projection in the wheel 202. The guiderail 434 and cutout 234 or
other types of corresponding features may enable automated or
semi-automated assembly of the hub assembly 400 to the wheel 202,
for example by self-keying alignment or registration of
corresponding features.
[0100] FIG. 2E is a side perspective view of another example
embodiment of a wheel assembly 300 (e.g., an "inner" side when the
wheel assembly is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). The wheel
assembly 300 comprises a wheel 202 and a hub assembly 500 coupled
to (e.g., mounted in) the wheel 202. The hub assembly 500 comprises
a spacer 548. The spacer 548 is configured to space the wheel
assembly 300 from the cart body 102 by a distance d. The distance d
may be between about 0.25 inches and about 3 inches (approx.
between about 0.6 cm and about 7.6 cm), between about 0.5 inches
and about 3 inches (approx. between about 1.2 cm and about 7.6 cm),
between about 1 inch and about 3 inches (approx. between about 2.5
cm and about 7.6 cm), combinations thereof, and the like. Other
distances d are also possible (e.g., greater than about 3 inches
(greater than approx. about 7.6 cm), less than about 0.25 inches
(less than approx. about 0.6 cm)). The spacer 548 restricts the
longitudinal movement of the wheel assembly 300 once mounted to the
cart 100 by the axle 700, inhibiting or preventing the wheel
assembly 300 other than the spacer 548 from coming into contact
with the cart 100. By inhibiting or preventing contact between the
wheel assembly 300 other than the spacer 548 and the cart 100, the
spacer 548 can reduce friction that could result from such contact.
Friction between the wheel 202 of the wheel assembly 300 and the
cart 100 could cause damage to the wheel 202 and/or the cart 100,
and/or could impede rotation of the wheel assembly 300 and/or
movement of the cart 100.
[0101] A spacer separate from a wheel assembly is also possible.
For example, prior to mounting the wheel assembly 200 to an axle
700, a separate spacer (e.g., a length of pipe (e.g., comprising
HDPE, polyvinylchloride, metal, wood, etc.)) may be positioned over
the axle 700. The inner side of the wheel mounting sleeve 424 would
abut the outer end of the spacer, and the inner end of the spacer
would abut the cart 100, which can inhibit or prevent contact
between the wheel assembly 200 and the cart 100. In some
embodiments, a separate spacer is not completely annular, for
example including a slot through which the separate spacer can be
positioned over the axle 700, and/or between the wheel assembly 200
and the cart 100, after the wheel assembly 200 has been coupled to
the axle 700.
[0102] The wheel 202 in the wheel assembly 300 illustrated in FIG.
2E may also be injection or blow molded, and may include any or all
of the characteristics illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B (e.g., treads
204, spokes 206, and hollow interior surfaces 210). It will also be
appreciated that wheel assembly 300 described herein may comprise
wheels manufactured using other processes (e.g., rotational or
compression molding) and/or having other features. For example, the
wheel may comprise materials such as wood, metal, rubber,
combinations thereof, etc.
[0103] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of an example
embodiment of a hub assembly 400 (e.g., an "inner" side when the
hub assembly 400 is coupled to a wheel 202 that is mounted to a
cart 100 via an axle 700). FIG. 3B is a top perspective and partial
cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 400 of FIG. 3A along the
line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A, with the retaining element 430, the biasing
element 440, the restraining element 438, and the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 in elevational view. The hub assembly 400
comprises a retainer housing 420, a retaining element 430, a
biasing element 440, a restraining element 438, and a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450. The retainer housing 420
includes a wheel mounting sleeve 424 including an axle bore 416
configured to receive an axle 700 and configured to be inserted
within a sleeve bore of a wheel 202. The retainer housing 420 also
includes a pin sleeve 432 including a first end 442, a second end
444, and a conduit 446 between the first end 442 and the second end
444. The first end 442 optionally includes a shoulder 410 extending
into the conduit 446. The pin sleeve 432 includes an axial channel
426 which may run the length of the pin sleeve 432 to allow for
insertion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 from the
second end 444 of the pin sleeve 432. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 is inserted into a portion
of the pin sleeve 432 (e.g., proximate to the first end 442) and
rotated. Other methods of assembling a hub assembly 400 are also
possible. The retaining element 430 is disposed within the conduit
446 of the pin sleeve 432. The retaining element 430 is configured
to operatively engage a groove 702 in an axle 700. In some
embodiments, the retaining element 430 comprises a pin. In certain
embodiments, an axle 700 has a chamfered end 704 such that the
retaining element 430 is transversely displaced relative to the
movement of the axle 700. In certain alternative embodiments, the
retaining element 430 is shaped (e.g., chamfered) such that it is
transversely displaced relative to the movement of an axle 700
(e.g., without a chamfered end). In some embodiments, the retaining
element 430 is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to reduce (e.g.,
decrease, minimize, prevent) rubbing of the sides of the groove 702
in the axle 700 by the sides of the retaining element 430. In some
embodiments, the retaining element 430 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of the wheel assembly 200, 300 than plastic. Metal
may also be better suited to shock loading and vibration than
plastic. However, other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible.
[0104] The retaining element 430 optionally includes a lip 436 that
is wider than the shoulder 410. The optional lip 436 and shoulder
410 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 430 from exiting
the first end 442 of the pin sleeve 432. In hub assemblies
comprising a retaining element without a lip and a retainer housing
without a shoulder, the retaining element may be pushed by the
biasing element 440 into the axle bore 416, where it may become
lost (e.g., by becoming displaced from the hub assembly) or damaged
(e.g., by being crushed by the axle 700), although some embodiments
described herein can avoid these issues. Other shapes and types of
retaining elements 430 are also possible. For example, the
retaining element 430 may be shaped to always have a certain
orientation within the conduit 446 (e.g., having a flat side that
inhibits rotation of the retaining element 430 within the conduit
446 (e.g., a flat side on the lip 436)). Such an embodiment may be
useful for proper engagement of a chamfered retaining element 430
with a non-chamfered axle 700. For another example, the lip 436 may
be longitudinally thicker, which can stabilize the retaining
element 430 by reducing the chance of the retaining element 430
from pivoting within the conduit 446. Other possible shapes for the
retaining element 430 include those that can aid in engaging the
retaining element 430 with the biasing element 440 and/or the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 (e.g., as described with
respect to FIG. 5F).
[0105] The biasing element 440 is disposed within the conduit 446
of the pin sleeve 432. The biasing element 440 is configured to
bias the retaining element 430 towards the axle bore 416. The
biasing element 440 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 3B), a leaf spring, and the like. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 440 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of the wheel assembly 200, 300 than plastic and which
may be better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic.
However, other materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. Other
shapes and types of biasing elements 440 are also possible. In
certain embodiments, the retaining element 430 and the biasing
element 440 are disposed in a cartridge that can be disposed in the
pin sleeve 432. The addition of layers such as a cartridge body
would not depart from the invention disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 440 within the pin sleeve 432 is
in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element 440 only applies
force to the retaining element 430 and the restraining element 438
upon being compressed). In certain embodiments, the biasing element
440 within the pin sleeve 432 is in a compressed state such that
the biasing element 440 applies force to the retaining element 430
and the restraining element 438 regardless of the position of the
retaining element 430. The restraining element 438 is stationary,
but the retaining element 430 can move longitudinally within the
pin sleeve 432 and compress the biasing element 440.
[0106] The restraining element 438 is configured to inhibit the
retaining element 430 and/or the biasing element 440 from exiting
the second end 444 of the pin sleeve 432, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly 400 to a wheel 202. The restraining
element 438 may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a deformation in
the pin sleeve 432, a plurality of ledges extending radially into
the pin sleeve 432, a disc insertable in a slot in the pin sleeve
432, and the like. The omission of the restraining element 438, for
example so that the biasing element 440 would abut a wall of a
wheel 202, would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein.
[0107] The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 is configured to
displace the retaining element 430 away from the axle bore 416. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may comprise a tab 456 or
other means for user interaction, a lifter 454, which interacts
with the retaining element 430, and a connector 452 connecting the
lifter 454 and the tab 456. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 also comprises optional guide arms 458. Additional examples of
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 450, some of which are
described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5J, can include an
angled connector, different shapes and configurations of lifters,
the omission of guide arms, and different shapes and configurations
of tabs.
[0108] In some embodiments, two or more of the internal elements of
the hub assembly 400 may be integrated. For example, the retaining
element 430 and the biasing element 440 may comprise a single piece
of plastic or metal, or two pieces of plastic or metal that are
coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). For another example, the biasing
element 440 and the restraining element 438 may comprise a single
piece of plastic or metal, or two pieces of plastic or metal that
are coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). For yet another example, the
retaining element 430, the biasing element 440, and the restraining
element 438 may comprise a single piece of plastic or metal, or
multiple pieces of plastic or metal that are coupled (e.g., welded,
adhered). For still another example, the retaining element 430 and
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may comprise a single
piece of plastic or metal, or two pieces of plastic or metal that
are coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). For still yet another example,
the retaining element 430, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450, and the biasing element 440 may comprise a single piece of
plastic or metal, or multiple pieces of plastic or metal that are
coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). Other combinations are also
possible.
[0109] In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 420 includes a
plurality of raised projections 418. The raised projections 418 can
provide a number of advantages. In certain embodiments, the raised
projections 418 may increase an amount of surface area that makes
contact with the wheel 202. In certain embodiments, the raised
projections 418 properly orient the retainer housing 420 with the
wheel 202. In some embodiments, the raised projections 418 allow
the retainer housing 420 to be properly aligned (e.g., in a
vibratory feeder) for assembly (e.g., automated assembly) with
other components of the hub assembly 400 (e.g., the retaining
element 430, the biasing element 440, the restraining element 438,
and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450). In certain
such embodiments, at least some of the plurality of projections 418
may have a common endpoint. In some embodiments, the raised
projections 418 allow the hub assembly 400 to be properly aligned
(e.g., in a vibratory feeder) for assembly (e.g., automated
assembly with other components of the wheel assembly 200 (e.g., the
wheel 202)). In certain such embodiments, the assembled hub
assembly 400 and the wheel 202 may be automatically assembled
(e.g., substantially without human interaction). In some
embodiments, the raised projections 418 reinforce a junction or
interface between an end wall 428 of the retainer housing 420 and
the wheel mounting sleeve 424, which can enhance the distribution
of loads (e.g., traverse torque caused by movement of the wheel
assembly 200 generally along the longitudinal axis of the axle
700).
[0110] In some embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 424 comprises
an annular rib 422 configured to engage a wall 208 of a sleeve bore
212 of a wheel 202 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2C). The annular
rib 422 has a width that is wider than the width of the sleeve bore
212. In certain embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 424 is
press-fit into a sleeve bore 212 of a wheel 202 until the annular
rib 422 resiliently snaps out from the sleeve bore 212. In some
embodiments, the annular rib 422 comprises an axial slot 412 that
can facilitate passage of the annular rib 422 through the sleeve
bore 212. The axial slot 412 can also extend into the wheel
mounting sleeve 424, although there may be a tradeoff between the
flexibility and strength of the wheel mounting sleeve 424. In
certain embodiments, the annular rib 422 comprises two axial slots
412 and a tooth 414 between the axial slots 412. In a relaxed
position, the tooth 414 has a width that is wider than the sleeve
bore 212. The axial slots 412 can assist in radially inward flexing
of the tooth 414 as it is urged through the sleeve bore 212. In
some embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 424 has a substantially
uniform surface. In certain such embodiments, the hub assembly 400
may be coupled to a wheel 202 by welding, adhesive, heat expansion,
combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the wheel
mounting sleeve 424 comprises a recess and the wheel 202 may
include a protrusion configured to engage the recess.
[0111] In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 420 is
injection molded. Injection molding may allow stricter tolerances
than blow molding because the thicknesses of the components may be
controlled based on the spacing between the male and female molds.
In some embodiments, the end wall 428, the wheel mounting sleeve
424, and the pin sleeve 432 are integrally formed, although the
pieces may also be separately formed and coupled (e.g., welded,
adhered). In certain embodiments in which the elements are
integrally formed, injection molding can increase throughput by
reducing the number of downstream steps (e.g., eliminating trimming
or boring steps because the conduit 446 and the axle bore 416 may
be formed open at at least one end). Other features of the retainer
housing 420 may also be integrally formed (e.g., the raised
projections 418). In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 420
comprises plastic (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g.,
high molecular weight HDPE)).
[0112] FIG. 3C is bottom perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hub assembly 500 (e.g., an "inner" side when the
hub assembly 500 is mounted to a wheel 202 that is mounted to a
cart 100 via an axle 700). The hub assembly 500 comprises a
retainer housing 520, a retaining element 530, a biasing element
540, a restraining element 538, and a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 550, for example sharing certain features with the
retainer housing 520, the retaining element 530, the biasing
element 540, the restraining element 538, and/or the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 550 described with respect to
FIG. 3A. The inner components of the hub assembly 500 and their
interaction, and/or the other features of the retainer housing 520,
may be the same as or similar to the components of the hub assembly
400 and the retainer housing 420. The hub assembly 500 also
illustrates two optional features of the retainer housing 520,
which may be separately or jointly incorporated into the retainer
housing 520 or other retainer housings described herein.
[0113] In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 520 optionally
comprises a spacer 548 longitudinally extending from the wheel
mounting sleeve 524 (e.g., from the annular rib 522). In certain
such embodiments, the spacer 548 is integrally formed with the
retainer housing 520. Such integral forming can increase the
strength of the junction or interface between the spacer 548 and
the wheel mounting sleeve 524 versus embodiments in which the
spacer 548 is coupled (e.g., welded, adhered) to the wheel mounting
sleeve 524. Integral forming can also ensure correct radial and/or
longitudinal sizing of the spacer 548, for example to have a
suitable interface with the wheel mounting sleeve 524 and/or the
desired distance d from the cart body 102. The distance d may be
between about 0.25 inches and about 3 inches (approx. between about
0.6 cm and about 7.6 cm), between about 0.5 inches and about 3
inches (approx. between about 1.2 cm and about 7.6 cm), between
about 1 inch and about 3 inches (approx. between about 2.5 cm and
about 7.6 cm), combinations thereof, and the like. Other distances
d are also possible (e.g., greater than about 3 inches (greater
than approx. about 7.6 cm), less about 0.25 inches (less than
approx. about 0.6 cm)). Integral forming can also ensure correct
radial positioning of the spacer 548, for example to be
substantially concentric (e.g., concentric) with the wheel mounting
sleeve 524 and/or to bear on a certain portion of the wheel
assembly 500 (e.g., the wheel mounting sleeve 524). The spacer 548
may be fully annular (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3B), partially
annular, or another shape. FIG. 2E illustrates a wheel assembly 300
comprising the hub assembly 500. A separate spacer, for example as
described herein, is also possible.
[0114] In some embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 524 and/or
the spacer 548 optionally include a guide rail 534. The guide rail
534 can provide a number of advantages. In some embodiments, the
guide rail 534 may properly orient the retainer housing 520 with
the wheel 202. For example, the guide rail 534 may allow the
retainer housing 520 to be properly aligned for assembly (e.g.,
automated or semi-automated assembly) with the wheel 202, for
example by rotating the hub assembly 500 until the guide rail 534
is able to pass through a complementary cutout 234 in the wheel
202. Certain such embodiments may reduce or eliminate the need for
an alignment fixture during assembly. In certain such embodiments,
the hub assembly 500 and the wheel 202 may be automatically or
semi-automatically assembled (e.g., substantially without human
interaction, totally without human interaction). In some
embodiments, the hub assembly 500 and the wheel 202 may be at least
partially manually or fully manually assembled (e.g., by a person
using a tool such as a rubber mallet).
[0115] In some embodiments, the annular rib 522 may be indented,
decreased, beveled, shaved, differently sized, and the like
proximate to the guide rail 534 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3C).
In certain such embodiments, the guide rail 534 can guide
rotational positioning of the hub assembly 500 throughout insertion
into a wheel 202. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C, the
guiderail 534 extends the entire length of the spacer 548 and the
wheel mounting sleeve 524. In some embodiments, the guiderail 534
extends only part of the length of the spacer 548 and/or the wheel
mounting sleeve 524. In some embodiments, initiating correct
alignment between the hub assembly 500 and the wheel 202 is
sufficient, for example because further coupling of the hub
assembly 500 and the wheel 202 lacks rotation. In some embodiments,
the guiderail 534 extends intermittently along the length of the
spacer 548 and/or the wheel mounting sleeve 524 (e.g., a first
portion proximate to the outer end of the spacer 548 and a second
portion proximate to the outer end of the wheel mounting sleeve
524). In some embodiments, alignment between the hub assembly 500
and a wheel 202 may be based at least partially on a recess in a
spacer and/or a wheel mounting sleeve and a protrusion in a wheel.
Other sets of corresponding alignment features are also
possible.
[0116] Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hub assembly 400
comprises a guide rail 434. Referring again to FIG. 3B, a portion
of the retaining element 430 protrudes through the first end 442 of
the pin sleeve 432 and through the wheel mounting sleeve 424 and
into the axle bore 416, where it can interact with a groove 702 in
an axle 700. As an axle 700 is inserted into the axle bore 416, the
axle 700 pushes the retaining element 430 into the pin sleeve 432.
In the illustrated embodiment, the axle 700 has a beveled end, so
the retaining element 430 is longitudinally displaced upon a
transverse force applied by the axle 700. In some embodiments, the
axle 700 does not have a beveled end, but the retaining element 430
has a beveled end so the retaining element 430 is longitudinally
displaced upon a transverse force applied by the axle 700. In some
embodiments, both the axle 700 and the retaining element 430 have
beveled ends so the retaining element 430 is longitudinally
displaced upon a transverse force applied by the axle 700. Once the
axle 700 is extended until the groove 702 is aligned with the
retaining element 430, the retaining element 430, acted upon by the
biasing element 440, extends out of the pin sleeve 432 and into the
groove 702. Once engaged, the retaining element 430 interacts with
the groove 702 to inhibit or prevent the hub assembly 400 from
becoming detached from the axle 700 unless acted upon by a specific
force (e.g., the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450, a tool,
etc.).
[0117] If a user wishes to detach the hub assembly 400 or a wheel
assembly 200 comprising the hub assembly 400 from an axle 700, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may be manipulated.
Manipulation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism causes the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 to longitudinally displace
the retaining element 430 towards the second end 444 of the pin
sleeve 432 and at least partially out (e.g., entirely out) of the
axle bore 416, allowing an axle 700 to be removed from the axle
bore 416.
[0118] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 interacts with a retaining element 430 via a lip 436 on the
retaining element 430. In certain embodiments, a lifter 454 and/or
another portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 is
positioned under a lip 436 on a retaining element 430. In some
embodiments, a post 466 is inserted into an aperture 472 in a
retaining element 430, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5F.
[0119] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 is configured to displace the retaining element 430 upon
manipulation of the tab 456 towards the axle bore 416. In certain
embodiments, a wheel mounting sleeve 424 or other surface acts as a
bearing surface upon which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 pivots the lifter 454 upward; lifting the retaining element 430
out of the axle bore 416. FIG. 3D is a partial cross-sectional view
of the hub assembly 400 of FIG. 3A along the line B-B of FIG. 3A,
with the retaining element 430, the biasing element 440, the
restraining element 438, and the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450 in elevational view. The hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450 is in a release position, having been pushed radially
inward or towards the axle bore 416, or in a direction opposite to
a direction of travel of the retaining element 430. The release
position allows the retaining element 430 to disengage from the
axle 700.
[0120] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 is configured to displace the retaining element 430 upon
manipulation of the tab 456 away from the axle bore 416. In certain
embodiments, pulling the tab 456 of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450 also pulls the lifter 454, lifting the retaining
element 430 out of the axle bore 416. FIG. 3E is a partial
cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 400 of FIG. 3A along the
line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A, with the retaining element 430, the biasing
element 440, the restraining element 438, and the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 in elevational view. The hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 is in a release position, having been pulled
radially outward or away from the axle bore 416, or in the same
direction as a direction of travel of the retaining element 430.
The release position allows the retaining element 430 to disengage
from the axle 700.
[0121] In some embodiments, after the retaining element 430 is in a
release position, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E,
the biasing element 440 may cause the retaining element 440 to
return to a locking position, for example as illustrated in FIG.
3B, without further action by the user. Automatic return of the
retaining element 440 to the locking position may help ensure that
a wheel assembly 200 is locked to an axle 700. In some embodiments,
after the retaining element 430 is in the release position, for
example as illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the retaining element
440 does not return to the locking position, for example as
illustrated in FIG. 3B, and further action by a user returns the
retaining element 440 to the locking position. For example, the
retainer housing 420 or other part of the hub assembly 400 may
include a detent or other mechanism configured to hold or maintain
the retaining element 430 in the release position, and a user may
manipulate the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 to cause the
retaining element 430 to be in the locking position. Manual or
semi-automatic return of the retaining element 440 to the locking
position may reduce metal shear on the biasing element 440 during
distribution, for example because the biasing element 440 may
already be compressed when a wheel assembly 200 is coupled to an
axle 700 and/or may reduce force used when coupling a wheel
assembly 200 to an axle 700. Manual or semi-automatic return of the
retaining element 440 to the locking position may allow a hub
assembly 400, for example including a non-beveled retaining element
430, to be coupled to a non-beveled axle, or other combinations of
retaining elements and axles not amenable to automatic insertion.
In some embodiments, the retaining element 430 in the release
position of FIG. 3D may return to the locking position without
further action by the user, and the retaining element 430 in the
release position of FIG. 3E may return to the locking position upon
further action by the user, or vice versa.
[0122] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a hub assembly
600 comprising a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 650 on a side
of the hub assembly 600 opposite a wheel mounting sleeve 624, with
the retaining element 630, the biasing element 640, the restraining
element 638, and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 650 in
elevational view. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 650 may
function or operate similarly to the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450, for example by longitudinally displacing a retaining
element 630 towards a second end 644 of a pin sleeve 632 and at
least partially out (e.g., entirely out) of an axle bore 616,
allowing an axle 700 to be removed from the axle bore 616. Location
of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 650 on a side opposite
the wheel mounting sleeve can allow the hub assembly 600 to be used
with existing wheels, for example that do not have cutouts for a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The hub assembly 600 may be
preferable for blow-molded wheels because the creation of slots or
cutouts during blow-molding may be difficult or impractical. In
certain embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 650
blends into the design of the hub assembly 600. For example, the
end wall 628 of the retainer housing may include protrusions
designed to mimic the tab 656 of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 650.
[0123] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450a. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5A includes a tab 456, which may be manipulated
toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially inward and/or
outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining element 430
(e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore
416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter
454. The lifter 454 includes a plurality (e.g., two) of generally
arcuate prongs, which are configured to straddle a retaining
element 430. The connector 452 may protect components in the pin
sleeve 432, for example the retaining element 430 and the biasing
element 440, by inhibiting dirt and/or debris from entering the pin
sleeve 432 through the axial channel 426, which could otherwise
interfere with operation of the components. The tab 456 includes a
bent portion, although other ergonomic designs are also possible
(e.g., concavities, texture, and the like).
[0124] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450b. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5B includes a tab 456, which may be manipulated
toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially inward and/or
outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining element 430
(e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore
416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter
454. The lifter 454 includes a plurality (e.g., two) of generally
arcuate prongs, which are configured to straddle a retaining
element 430. The connector 452 may protect components in the pin
sleeve 432, for example the retaining element 430 and the biasing
element 440, by inhibiting dirt and/or debris from entering the pin
sleeve 432 through the axial channel 426, which could otherwise
interfere with operation of the components. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5B also includes optional guide arms 458, which
may inhibit the tab 456 from entering a pin sleeve 432 and/or
inhibit the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450b from being
jammed or thrusted inward. The guide arms 458 may also inhibit
rotation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450b during
operation (e.g., by acting as a bearing surface against the pin
sleeve 432) and/or add structural stability to the tab 456. The tab
456 includes a bent portion, although other ergonomic designs are
also possible (e.g., concavities, texture, and the like).
[0125] FIG. 5C is a top perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450c. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5C includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 460 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 454. In contrast to the connectors 452 illustrated in FIGS.
5A and 5B, which are substantially orthogonal to the plane of the
lifter 454 and the tab 456, the connector 460 is angled with
respect to the plane of the lifter 454 and the tab 456. In some
embodiments, an angled connector 460 may provide increased torque
for embodiments in which the tab is manipulated toward an axle bore
416 or radially inward. In contrast to the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 5B, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5C does not include
guide arms 458.
[0126] FIG. 5D is a top perspective view of yet another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450d. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5D includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 462, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 462. The lifter 462 includes a circular continuous arm
configured to surround a retaining element 430. An arcuate lifter
462 may provide better engagement with a retaining element 430, for
example in embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450d is manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or
radially outward. Other arcuate shapes are also possible. For
example, the lifter 462 may be oval in shape and/or truncated at
the end opposite the connector 452. For another example, the lifter
462 may comprise a hook or elongated hook extending greater than
about 90.degree., greater than about 180.degree., greater than
about 270.degree., less than about 360.degree., combinations
thereof, and the like, around the retaining element 430. Certain
arcuate shapes may reduce or eliminate friction or binding that may
be caused by interaction between the lifter 462, the retaining
element 430, and/or the pin sleeve 432. In some embodiments, for
example in embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450d is configured to only be manipulated away from an
axle bore 416 or radially outward, friction or binding between the
lifter 462, the retaining element 430, and/or the pin sleeve 432
may be desirable to inhibit or prevent the retaining element 430
from being lifted away from an axle bore 416 upon manipulation of
the tab 456 towards the axle bore 416 or radially inward, but to
allow the retaining element 430 to be lifted away from an axle bore
416 upon manipulation of the tab 456 away from the axle bore 416.
In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5D does not include guide arms
458.
[0127] FIG. 5E is a top perspective view of still another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450e. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5E includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 464, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 464. The lifter 464 includes a single, generally-arcuate
prong, which is configured to abut a portion of a retaining element
430. A single prong may reduce the material used in the production
of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450e. A single prong may
also reduce or eliminate friction or binding that may be caused by
interaction between the lifter 464, the retaining element 430,
and/or the pin sleeve 432. In contrast to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5B, the embodiment illustrated in 5E does not
include guide arms 458.
[0128] FIG. 5F is a top perspective view of yet still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450f.
The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F includes a tab 456, which may
be manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 466, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 466. The lifter 466 comprises a post, which may have a
rectangular cross section (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5F), a
round cross section, and the like. In contrast to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5B, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F does
not include guide arms 458. FIG. 5G is a top perspective and
partial cross-sectional view of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450f of FIG. 5F inserted into an aperture 472 in a
retaining element 430. In some embodiments, the aperture 472
includes an angled or tapered feature (e.g., as illustrated in FIG.
5G) or is large enough that, when the tab 456 is pushed towards the
axle bore 416 or radially inward, the lifter 466 may pivot within
the retaining element 430, thereby engaging the retaining element
430 and moving the retaining element 430 longitudinally away from
the axle bore 416. In some embodiments, for example in embodiments
in which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 is configured
to only be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially
outward, the aperture 472 is small enough that the lifter 466
cannot pivot. In certain such embodiments, friction or binding
between the lifter 466, the retaining element 430, and/or the pin
sleeve 432 may be desirable to inhibit or prevent the retaining
element 430 from being lifted away from an axle bore 416 upon
manipulation of the tab 456 towards the axle bore 416 or radially
inward, but to allow the retaining element 430 to be lifted away
from an axle bore 416 upon manipulation of the tab 456 away from
the axle bore 416. The retaining element 430 illustrated in FIG. 5G
does not include a lip 436 because the lifter 466 of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450f can inhibit or prevent the
retaining element 430 from exiting the first end 442 of the pin
sleeve 432. In some embodiments, a retaining element 430 without a
lip 436 may be easier to manufacture (e.g., machine (e.g., mill
ends from a straight rod), cold heading (e.g., forcing ends of a
straight rod together at high force until a central portion
bulges), cast (e.g., from lost wax), etc.) and have a reduced cost
versus a retaining element 430 with a lip 436. In some embodiments,
the lack of a lip 436 on the retaining element 430 may allow the
retainer housing 420 to not include a shoulder 410, which may
reduce material usage and/or reduce the complexity of the retainer
housing 420. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450f may inhibit or prevent rotation of the retaining
element 430 in a pin sleeve 432, which may allow a retaining
element 430 (e.g., including a chamfered edge on one side) to be
used in combination with an axle that does not include a chamfered
edge. In some embodiments, the retainer housing 420 may include
features configured to inhibit the retaining element 430 from
falling into the axle bore 416. For example, the connector 452 of
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450f may abut the pin
sleeve 432 and/or the retainer housing 420 may include a protrusion
proximate to the coupling between the connector 452 and the lifter
466 or heel of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450f. The
features may inhibit movement of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450f only when the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450f is engaged with the retaining element 430.
[0129] FIG. 5H is a top perspective view of a further example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450h. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5H includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 470 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 454. The tab 456 may optionally include a portion bent at an
angle .alpha.. In contrast to the connectors 452 illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are substantially orthogonal to the plane of
the lifter 454 and the tab 456, and the connector 460 illustrated
in 5C, which is angled with respect to the plane of the lifter 454
and the tab 456, the connector 470 illustrated in 5H is parallel
with the lifter 454 and the tab 456. In some embodiments, the
connector 470 may also be shortened in length. A shortened
connector may reduce the material used in producing a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450h, potentially reducing the
production costs. In some embodiments, the retainer housing 420 of
a hub assembly 400 comprising the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450h includes a protrusion (e.g., bump, rail, etc.) that
allows the lifter 454 to pivot upward when the tab 456 is pushed
downward. In some embodiments, the bend in the tab 456 of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism allows the lifter 454 to pivot
upward when the tab 456 is pushed downward. In some embodiments,
upward manipulation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450h
causes direct upward movement of the retaining element 430. In
certain such embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450h is coupled (e.g., fused, glued, welded, combinations thereof,
and the like) to or integrated with the retaining element 430.
[0130] FIG. 5I is a top perspective view of a still further
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450i. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5I includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 454. In contrast to the tab 456 in FIG. 5A, the tab 456 in
FIG. 5I includes a weakened section 468 (illustrated by the dotted
lines in FIG. 5I). In some embodiments, the weakened section 468
may allow a user to separate the tab 456 from the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450i, providing lasting protection against
accidental, casual, and/or unwanted removal. In contrast to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. I does not include guide arms 458.
[0131] FIG. 5J is a top perspective view of a yet still further
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450j. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5J includes a tab 456, which may be
manipulated toward and/or away from an axle bore 416 or radially
inward and/or outward, a lifter 454, which can act on a retaining
element 430 (e.g., lifting the retaining element 430 away from an
axle bore 416), and a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the
lifter 454. The hand-maneuverable mechanism 450j is an example of a
hand-maneuverable mechanism 450 comprising (e.g., made of) plastic.
A plastic hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may include
certain features described herein (e.g., the lifter 454 may
comprise any of the embodiments discussed above in FIGS. 5A-5I, as
well as other embodiments). Plastic hand-maneuverable release
mechanisms 450 may be more versatile (e.g., more easily able to
include multiple features than could be stamped from a sheet of
metal, more easily changed by changing a mold and/or removing
pieces, etc.) and/or less expensive to produce than metal
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 450. In some embodiments, a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 comprising plastic includes
certain buttressing features to improve durability and/or
performance. In some embodiments, buttressing features may
influence changes in certain other components of an associated hub
assembly and/or wheel assembly (e.g., for clearance). In some
embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450j includes
a structural support member 472 between the tab 456 and the
connector 452, which may, for example, inhibit the tab 456 and/or
the connector 452 from bending or breaking upon manipulation.
Another example of a structural support member 472, for example
between the connector 452 and the lifter 454, may inhibit the
lifter 454 and/or the connector 452 from bending or breaking upon
manipulation of the tab 456. In certain embodiments, the thickness
of a lifter 454 comprising plastic may be greater than the
thickness of a lifter 454 comprising metal, for example to inhibit
the parts of the lifter 454 from bending or breaking upon
interaction with a retaining element 430.
[0132] In some embodiments, a retaining element 430 may be
integrally formed with a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 to
form a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 (e.g., by injection
molding and/or milling a single hand-maneuverable retaining element
480 comprising both the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 and
the retaining element 430). In some embodiments, a retaining
element 430 may be coupled to a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 to form a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 (e.g., by
fusing, gluing, welding, combinations thereof, and the like). The
components of the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 may
comprise metal, plastic, wood, and/or other suitable materials. The
components of the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 may
comprise the same material or different materials. For example, in
some embodiments, the retaining element 430 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel) and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450
comprises plastic (e.g., HDPE). For another example, in some
embodiments, the retaining element 430 comprises plastic (e.g.,
HDPE) and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 comprises
plastic (e.g., HDPE).
[0133] FIG. 5K is a side cross-sectional view of an example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480. The
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k and a retaining element
430. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k of the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a tab 456, which
may be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially outward,
a lifter 476, which can act on the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore 416), and
a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter 476. In some
embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450k comprises plastic), the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450k includes buttressing features such as
structural supports, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5J. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 does not include a gap between the connector 452 and
the tab 456 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k and the
retaining element 430. The retaining element 430 includes a lip
436, which may provide more surface area to connect the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k to the retaining element
430 and/or inhibit the retaining element 430 from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve 432 and falling into the axle bore
416. The lip 436 may extend around a central portion of the
retaining element 430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5I), or may be
longitudinally offset (e.g., only a small portion of the retaining
element 430 extending above the lip 436). In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 is integrally formed, for
example by injection molding or milling a single piece comprising
both the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k and the retaining
element 430. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 is formed by coupling (e.g., gluing, fusing, welding,
combinations thereof, and the like) a separately formed
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k and a separately formed
retaining element 430. In some embodiments, forming the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes forming (e.g.,
injection molding) the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k at
least partially around the retaining element 430 (e.g., at least
partially around the lip 436 of the retaining element 430), which
was previously formed (e.g., by earlier injection molding, from
metal casting or milling, etc.). In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5K, the lifter 476 encompasses at least part (e.g., the
entirety) of the lip 436 of the retaining element 430, which may
contribute to a strong bond and/or connection between the retaining
element 430 and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k,
and/or may use less material than, for example, the embodiments
described herein with respect to FIG. 5L. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450k may inhibit or prevent
rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin sleeve 432, which
may allow a retaining element 430 (e.g., including a chamfered edge
on one side) to be used in combination with an axle that does not
include a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may allow rotation of the
retaining element 430 in a pin sleeve 432. The hand-maneuverable
retaining element 480 illustrated in FIG. 5K may be useful in
embodiments of hub assemblies and/or wheel assemblies in which the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 is manipulated away from
the axle bore or radially outward (e.g., as opposed to being pushed
towards the axle bore or radially inward).
[0134] FIG. 5L is a side cross-sectional view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480. The
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l and a retaining element
430. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l of the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a tab 456, which
may be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially outward,
a lifter 478, which can act on the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore 416), and
a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter 478. In some
embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450 comprises plastic), the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450l includes buttressing features such as
structural supports, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5J. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 does not include a gap between the connector 452 and
the tab 456 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l and the
retaining element 430. The retaining element 430 includes a lip
436, which may provide more surface area to connect the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l to the retaining element
430 and/or inhibit the retaining element 430 from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve 432 and falling into the axle bore
416. The lip 436 may extend around a central portion of the
retaining element 430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5L), or may be
longitudinally offset (e.g., only a small portion of the retaining
element 430 extending above the lip 436). In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 is integrally formed, for
example by injection molding or milling a single piece comprising
both the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l and the retaining
element 430. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 is formed by coupling (e.g., gluing, fusing, welding,
combinations thereof, and the like) a separately formed
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l and a separately formed
retaining element 430. In some embodiments, forming the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes forming (e.g.,
injection molding) the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l at
least partially around the retaining element 430 (e.g., at least
partially around the lip 436 of the retaining element and other
portions of the retaining element 430), which was previously formed
(e.g., by earlier injection molding, from metal casting or milling,
etc.). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5L, the lifter 478
encompasses at least part (e.g., the entirety) of the retaining
element 430, which may contribute to a strong bond and/or
connection between the retaining element 430 and the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l substantially covers
(e.g., covers) the entire retaining element 430, which may, for
example, inhibit corrosion (e.g., rusting) of the retaining element
430 that may occur from interaction between the retaining element
430 and other components such as a biasing element 440 and an axle
700. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450l may reduce noise (e.g., noise due to a metal axle 700 rubbing
a metal retaining element 430) during use of a wheel assembly 200.
For example, some axles 700 include a zinc-iron coating that
roughens the surface and inhibits corrosion, but can result in an
irritating squeaking sound due to engagement with a metal retaining
element 430. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l is coated with a
sound-deafening material such as plastisol, polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), plastic, rubber, etc. Other retaining elements and
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms described herein may also be
at least partially coated with material configured to reduce noise
and/or to inhibit corrosion of the retaining element or
hand-maneuverable release mechanism. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l may inhibit or prevent
rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin sleeve 432, which
may allow a retaining element 430 (e.g., including a chamfered edge
on one side) to be used in combination with an axle that does not
include a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l may allow rotation of the
retaining element 430 in a pin sleeve 432. The hand-maneuverable
retaining element 480 illustrated in FIG. 5L may be useful in
embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450l
is manipulated away from the axle bore or radially outward (e.g.,
as opposed to being pushed towards the axle bore or radially
inward).
[0135] FIG. 5M is a side cross-sectional view of still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480.
The hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m and a retaining element
430. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m of the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a tab 456, which
may be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially outward,
and a lifter 476, which can act on the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore 416). In
some embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450m comprises plastic), the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450m includes buttressing features such as
structural supports, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5J. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 includes a buttressing feature between the tab 456 of
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m and the retaining
element 430. The retaining element 430 includes a lip 436, which
may provide more surface area to connect the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450m to the retaining element 430 and/or inhibit
the retaining element 430 from exiting the second end of the pin
sleeve 432 and falling into the axle bore 416. The lip 436 may
extend around a central portion of the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
as illustrated in FIGS. 5M and 5N), or may be longitudinally offset
(e.g., only a small portion of the retaining element 430 extending
above the lip 436). In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable
retaining element 480 is integrally formed, for example by
injection molding or milling a single piece comprising both the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m and the retaining element
430. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining element
480 is formed by coupling (e.g., gluing, fusing, welding,
combinations thereof, and the like) a separately formed
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m and a separately formed
retaining element 430. In some embodiments, forming the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes forming (e.g.,
injection molding) the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m at
least partially around the retaining element 430 (e.g., at least
partially around the lip 436 of the retaining element and other
portions of the retaining element 430), which was previously formed
(e.g., by earlier injection molding, from metal casting or milling,
etc.). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5M, the lifter 476
encompasses at least part (e.g., the entirety) of the lip 436 of
the retaining element 430, which may contribute to a strong bond
and/or connection between the retaining element 430 and the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m, and/or may use less
material than, for example the embodiments described herein with
respect to FIG. 5L. In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5K, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5M does not include a
connector between the tab 456 and the lifter 476. The tab 456
extends straight out from the lifter 476. In some embodiments, for
example as illustrated by the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450n of the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 of FIG. 5N, the
tab 456 extends from the lifter 476 at an angle .alpha.. In some
embodiments, the angle .alpha. is between about 5.degree. and about
45.degree., between about 10.degree. and about 30.degree., between
about 15.degree. and about 25.degree., combinations thereof, and
the like. Certain embodiments lacking a connector may use less
material than, for example, embodiments described herein comprising
a connector 452. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450m may inhibit or prevent rotation of the retaining
element 430 in a pin sleeve 432, which may allow a retaining
element 430 (e.g., including a chamfered edge on one side) to be
used in combination with an axle that does not include a chamfered
edge. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450m may allow rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin
sleeve 432. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5M may be useful in
embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450m
is manipulated away from the axle bore or radially outward (e.g.,
as opposed to being pushed towards the axle bore or radially
inward).
[0136] FIG. 5O is a side cross-sectional view of yet still another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480.
The hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o and a retaining element
430. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o of the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a tab 456, which
may be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially outward,
a lifter 482, which can act on the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore 416), and
a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter 482. In some
embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450o comprises plastic), the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450o includes buttressing features such as
structural supports, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5J. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 does not include a gap between the connector 452 and
the tab 456 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o and the
retaining element 430. The retaining element 430 includes a groove
474, which may provide more surface area to connect the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o to the retaining element
430 and/or structurally improve the connection between the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o and the retaining element
430. The retaining element 430 does not include a lip 436, but the
lifter 476 may inhibit the retaining element 430 from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve 432 and falling into the axle bore
416. The groove 474 may extend around a central portion of the
retaining element 430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5O), or may be
longitudinally offset (e.g., only a small portion of the retaining
element 430 extending above the groove 474). In some embodiments,
groove 474 in a retaining element 430 may be easier to manufacture
(e.g., machine or mill) and/or have reduced cost versus a retaining
element 430 including a lip 436. In some embodiments, a retaining
element 430 without a lip 436 may use less material than a
retaining element 430 including a lip 436, which may reduce
material costs. In some embodiments, use of a retaining element 430
without a lip 436 may allow the retainer housing 420 to not include
a shoulder 410, which may reduce material usage and/or reduce the
complexity of the retainer housing 420. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 is integrally formed, for
example by injection molding or milling a single piece comprising
both the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o and the retaining
element 430. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 is formed by coupling (e.g., gluing, fusing, welding,
combinations thereof, and the like) a separately formed
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o and a separately formed
retaining element 430. In some embodiments, forming the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes forming (e.g.,
injection molding) the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 at
least partially around and/or into the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
at least partially around and/or into the groove 474 of the
retaining element 430), which was previously formed (e.g., by
earlier injection molding, from metal casting or milling, etc.). In
some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o may
inhibit or prevent rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin
sleeve 432, which may allow a retaining element 430 (e.g.,
including a chamfered edge on one side) to be used in combination
with an axle that does not include a chamfered edge. In some
embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o may allow
rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin sleeve 432. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5O may be useful in embodiments in
which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450o is manipulated
away from the axle bore or radially outward (e.g., as opposed to
being pushed towards the axle bore or radially inward).
[0137] FIG. 5P is a side cross-sectional view of a further example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable retaining element 480. The
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p and a retaining element
430. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p of the
hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes a tab 456, which
may be manipulated away from an axle bore 416 or radially outward,
a lifter 484, which can act on the retaining element 430 (e.g.,
lifting the retaining element 430 away from an axle bore 416), and
a connector 452 connecting the tab 456 and the lifter 484. In some
embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450p comprises plastic), the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450p includes buttressing features such as
structural supports, for example as described herein with respect
to FIG. 5J. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining
element 480 does not include a gap between the connector 452 and
the tab 456 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p and the
retaining element 430. The retaining element 430 includes an
aperture 486. The aperture 486 may extend entirely through the
retaining element 430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5P), or may
extend partially through the retaining element 430. The aperture
486 may extend through a longitudinal axis of the retaining element
430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5P), or may be laterally offset.
The aperture 486 may extend through a central portion of the
retaining element 430 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5P), or may be
longitudinally offset (e.g., only a small portion of the retaining
element 430 extending above the aperture 486). The retaining
element 430 does not include a lip 436, but the lifter 484 may
inhibit the retaining element 430 from exiting the second end of
the pin sleeve 432 and falling into the axle bore 416. In some
embodiments, an aperture 486 may be easier to manufacture (e.g.,
machine or mill) and/or have reduced cost versus a retaining
element 430 including a lip 436. In some embodiments, a retaining
element 430 without a lip 436 may use less material than retaining
element 430 including a lip 436, which may reduce material costs.
In some embodiments, use of a retaining element 430 without a lip
436 may allow the retainer housing 420 to not include a shoulder
410, which may reduce material usage and/or reduce the complexity
of the retainer housing 420. The aperture 486 is at least partially
filled by the lifter 484 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450p. The aperture 486 may provide more surface area to connect the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p to the retaining element
430 and/or allow for a more secure bond between the retaining
element 430 and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p. In
some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 is
integrally formed, for example by injection molding or milling a
single piece comprising both the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450p and the retaining element 430. In some embodiments,
the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 is formed by coupling
(e.g., gluing, fusing, welding, combinations thereof, and the like)
a separately formed hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p and a
separately formed retaining element 430. In some embodiments,
forming the hand-maneuverable retaining element 480 includes
forming (e.g., injection molding) the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450p at least partially into the retaining element 430
(e.g., at least partially into the aperture 486 of the retaining
element 430), which was previously formed (e.g., by earlier
injection molding, from metal casting or milling, etc.). In some
embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p may
inhibit or prevent rotation of the retaining element 430 in a pin
sleeve 432, which may allow a retaining element 430 (e.g.,
including a chamfered edge on one side) to be used in combination
with an axle that does not include a chamfered edge. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5P may be useful in embodiments in which the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450p is manipulated away from
the axle bore or radially outward (e.g., as opposed to being pushed
towards the axle bore or radially inward).
[0138] Some of the features of the hand-maneuverable retaining
elements 480 illustrated herein may also be adapted to retaining
elements and hand-maneuverable release mechanisms described herein.
For example, a metal retaining element may be coated or
substantially coated with plastic, for example to inhibit
corrosion. For another example, many of the retaining elements and
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms described herein as being
separate components may be integrated. Other components such as
biasing elements and restraining elements may also be integral
with, for example, retaining elements. For example, it may be
possible to injection mold a single component including a retaining
element, a hand-maneuverable release mechanism, a biasing element,
and a restraining element, which can be inserted into a retainer
housing in a single step.
[0139] In certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing a hub
assembly (e.g., a hub assembly 400, 500, 600 described herein and
modifications thereof) comprises positioning a portion of a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in a pin sleeve, positioning a
retaining element in the pin sleeve, and positioning a biasing
element in the pin sleeve. In some embodiments, the method of
manufacturing the hub assembly further comprises occluding a second
end of the pin sleeve (e.g., with a restraining element), for
example to inhibit the retaining element and/or the biasing element
from exiting the second end of a pin sleeve, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly to a wheel. Certain such embodiments can
allow storage of assembled hub assemblies without danger of pieces
becoming lost (which may also allow resources to be allocated
without regard to quantity of wheel assembly components (e.g., hub
assemblies can be made even if there are no wheels to couple them
to because they can be stored without the fear of losing pieces)),
transportation of assembled hub assemblies (e.g., independent of
the transportation of wheels, which may be less expensively
manufactured more proximate to the wheel assembly site), and/or use
of automated assembly such as vibratory feeders. Other advantages
are also possible. For example, if a wheel is damaged, an occluded
hub assembly, which is typically the more expensive wheel assembly
component, can be coupled to another wheel because all of the
internal components are present upon separation from the damaged
wheel. Methods of manufacturing certain of the individual
components of hub assemblies are described herein (e.g., injection
molding a retainer housing, rotationally inserting a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism into a pin sleeve), and/or one
or more of the components may be purchased and then the components
assembled.
[0140] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a wheel
assembly (e.g., a wheel assembly 200, 300 described herein and
modifications thereof) comprises inserting a hub assembly (e.g., a
hub assembly 400, 500, 600 described herein and modifications
thereof) into a wheel (e.g., a wheel 202 described herein and
modifications thereof). In some embodiments, a method of
manufacturing a wheel assembly (e.g., a wheel assembly 200, 300
described herein and modifications thereof) comprises inserting a
hub assembly without a restraining element into a wheel, for
example so that the biasing element can abut a wall or other
portion of the wheel. In some embodiments, coupling the hub
assembly to the wheel comprises inserting a wheel mounting sleeve
of the hub assembly into a sleeve bore of the wheel. In some
embodiments, the method of manufacturing the wheel assembly
comprises forming the wheel 202. In some embodiments, forming the
wheel comprises deflashing the wheel, for example prior to being
coupled to the hub assembly. Methods of manufacturing certain of
the individual components of wheel assemblies are described herein
(e.g., injection molding and blow molding of wheels, assembly of
hub assemblies), and/or one or more of the components may be
purchased and then the components assembled.
[0141] Without a hand-maneuverable release mechanism, disengaging a
hub assembly or a wheel assembly from an axle destroyed the wheel
assembly or employed various tools (e.g., through a hidden or
candid tool passageway). For example, a hub assembly may include a
tool passageway through which a tool (e.g., an auger or a
screwdriver) could be used to manipulate the retaining element out
of the axle bore. Some hub assemblies only allow access to the
release mechanism through use of a specialized tool, which a
service technician may not have readily available. Tool passageways
generally allow users to remove the wheel for reasons such as
repair, maintenance, distribution, transportation for sale, and the
like, but inhibit accidental, casual, or unwanted removal (e.g., by
vandals). The tool passageway may even be covered by a flashing or
membrane to disguise the removal ability from a casual observer,
but not from appropriate persons having knowledge of the hub
assembly. Once the membrane is punctured, the disguise may be
breached and the tool passageway may be apparent to vandals and the
like. Removal only by tool passageway can make it difficult for
appropriate parties to remove the wheels, for example during sale,
distribution, repair, etc. A hub assembly or a wheel assembly
including a hand-maneuverable release mechanism can allow for easy
removal by a knowledgeable or appropriate user and, if placed in a
position substantially hidden from view (e.g., at least partially
obscured by a cart body), lasting protection against accidental,
casual, and/or unwanted removal.
[0142] In some embodiments, the hub assembly 400 does not include a
tool passageway 404, but can achieve certain advantages associated
with a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 described herein.
Referring again to FIGS. 3B and 3D, in some embodiments, the hub
assembly 400 optionally comprises both a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450 and a tool passageway 404. In some embodiments, the
tool passageway 404 may be on an opposite side of the hub assembly
400 from the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450. In certain
embodiments, a flashing or membrane (or "puncture skin") 406 may at
least partially cover the tool passageway 404. The membrane 406 is
preferably thin enough to be punctured by the tool prior to
engagement with the retaining element 430 (e.g., about 0.01 inches
(approx. 0.25 millimeters (mm)) thick). The membrane 406 can
provide evidence of tampering with the hub assembly 400. The
membrane 406 may disguise the removal ability from a casual
observer. Although illustrated as being in a portion of the tool
passageway 404 proximate to the conduit 446, the membrane 406 may
be flush with the end wall 428, flush with the outer edge of the
tool passageway, or elsewhere. The tool passageway 404 may be
raised with respect to the end wall 428 to help identify the tool
passageway 404 if covered by a membrane 406 (e.g., as illustrated
in FIG. 2A) and/or to aid in positioning of the hub assembly 400
into the wheel 202 (e.g., in embodiments not including a guide rail
434). Tool passageways and membranes may also be used with other
hub assemblies described herein.
[0143] The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may be
manipulated, for example as described herein, to extend the
retaining element 430 towards the second end 444 of the pin sleeve
432 and at least partially out (e.g., entirely out) of the axle
bore 416, at which point the axle 700 may be slid out of the axle
bore 416. Use of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may be
by a knowledgeable or appropriate user, for example during
distribution, installation, repair, etc., and may leave the tool
passageway unfettered, for example to continue to provide
protection against accidental, casual, and/or unwanted removal. In
some embodiments, the wheel 202 may contain a cutout to provide
visual and/or tactile identification of the tab 456 and provide
access to the tab 456.
[0144] A tool inserted through a tool passageway 404 may be used to
detach the hub assembly 400 from an axle 700. A tool may be
leveraged under a lip 436 on the retaining element 430 and may
extend the retaining element 430 towards the second end 444 of the
pin sleeve 432 and at least partially out (e.g., entirely out) of
the axle bore 416, at which point the axle 700 may be slid out of
the axle bore 416. In some embodiments, a tool may act on a lip 436
of the retaining element 430 (e.g., acting as a wedge or lever to
cause the retaining element 430 to move). In some embodiments, a
tool may pierce or puncture the retaining element 430 such that
movement of the tool causes a corresponding movement of the
retaining element 430. Other interactions between a tool and the
retaining element 430 are also possible (e.g., a tool may fit into
a slot of a retaining element 430). Use of a tool through the tool
passageway 404 may also be by a knowledgeable or appropriate user,
for example if it is no longer desired to continue to provide
protection against accidental, casual, and/or unwanted removal,
and/or for example if a knowledgeable or appropriate user knows
about the tool passageway, but not about the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450.
[0145] The inclusion of a both a tool passageway 404 and a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 can allow options for wheel
assembly 400 removal without increasing the likelihood of
accidental, casual, and/or unintentional removal. For example,
sellers of wheel assemblies 400 could sell the same wheel assembly
400 to multiple types of buyers (e.g., residential buyers who are
unlikely to need frequent removal and reattachment, commercial
buyers who may frequently remove and reattach wheel assemblies
(e.g., for transportation purposes), etc.).
[0146] In some embodiments, the retainer housing 450 may include a
dummy, mock, or false tool passageway. For example, the tool
passageway could be solid enough (e.g., more solid than a puncture
skin) that a tool cannot generally access the retaining element
430. For another example, the tool passageway could be on a portion
of the retainer housing where the retaining element 430 is not on
the other side. A dummy tool passageway may inhibit or prevent
removal by users of wheel assemblies including only tool
passageways (e.g., without a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450), but allowing removal by users knowledgeable about the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450. In some embodiments, a
dummy tool passageway may allow a hub assembly or wheel assembly to
maintain the appearance of a hub assembly or wheel assembly
including a tool passageway. A dummy tool passageway could be used
as a locator to aid in assembly (e.g., manual, semi-automated,
and/or automated assembly).
[0147] FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example
embodiment of an axle assembly 800. In some embodiments, the axle
assembly 800 includes an axle 700 including a groove 702 at each
end and a hub assembly at each end, which may be part of a wheel
assembly. Although any of the embodiments of hub assemblies and
wheel assemblies described herein, and modifications thereof, can
be used in the axle assembly 800, for illustration purposes, FIG.
6A illustrates one of the hub assemblies being a hub assembly 400a
including both a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 and a tool
passageway 404 and the other hub assembly 400b including only a
tool passageway 404. For example, the axle assembly 800 may include
two hub assemblies 400a including a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450. FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the
axle assembly 800 of FIG. 6A after the hub assembly 400a is
disconnected from the axle 700. In this illustration, a tab 456 on
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 was manipulated towards
an axle bore 416 and a lifter 462 was leveraged upwards, pushing a
retaining element 430 away from the axle bore 416 and out of a
groove 702 in the axle 700. The axle 700 was then able to be
removed from the axle bore 416. The ability to remove the hub
assembly using the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450, for
example without damaging the hub assembly (e.g., due to piercing of
a puncture skin) may reduce the number and/or rate of returns to
the manufacturer that were due to errors during distribution, which
can reduce replacement and/or return costs and/or increase customer
satisfaction. FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the axle
assembly 800 of FIG. 6A after the hub assembly 400a has been
reattached to the hub 700. In some embodiments, the axle 700 need
only be reinserted into the axle bore 416 to reattach the hub
assembly 400a. In certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a chamfered
end 704 such that the retaining element 430 is transversely
displaced relative to the movement of the axle 700. In certain
alternative embodiments, the retaining element 430 is shaped (e.g.,
chamfered) such that it is transversely displaced relative to the
movement of an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered end). The ease
of removal associated with the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
450 allows axle assemblies 800 to be shipped as a unit, easily
disassembled, and reassembled when mounted to a cart or other
device. Once mounted on the cart, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 450 may be partially or completely hidden by the body of
the cart, still inhibiting casual removal. This may reduce or
eliminate improper ratios of axles to wheels when shipping, without
the added inconvenience of disassembly using only a tool
passageway. In some embodiments, only one hub assembly includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 for this purpose, which may
limit the costs of manufacturing the axle assembly (e.g., because a
hub assembly without a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 450 may
be less expensive than a hub assembly with a hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 450).
[0148] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of still another example
embodiment of a hub assembly 900. FIG. 7B is a partial
cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 900 of FIG. 7A along the
line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A, with the retaining element 930, the biasing
element 940, the restraining element 938, and the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 950 in elevational view. The axial channel 926
only runs part of the length of the pin sleeve 932. The outer
portion of the pin sleeve 932, for example a portion radially
outward of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 950, is
completely annular. In some embodiments in which the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 950 is on a side of the hub
assembly 900 opposite a wheel mounting sleeve 924 (e.g., as
generally illustrated in FIG. 4), molding of the retainer housing
920 may include a straight core pull, for example because the end
wall 928 does not include features that would impede a straight
core pull. In some embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 950 is on the same side of the hub assembly 900
as a wheel mounting sleeve 924 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 7A
and 7B), molding of the retainer housing 920 may include an angled
core pull, for example because features such as the annular rib 922
may impede a straight core pull. The pin sleeve 932, alone or in
combination with the connector 952 at least partially occluding the
axial channel 926, may inhibit debris from entering the conduit 946
of the pin sleeve 932.
[0149] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing the hub
assembly 900 comprises inserting the lifter 954 of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 950 into the conduit 946 of the
pin sleeve 932 with the plane of the lifter 454 substantially
aligned with the axial channel 926, and then rotating the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 950 until the plane of the
lifter 954 is substantially orthogonal to the pin sleeve 932. In
some embodiments, for example in which the elements include flat
surfaces and/or sharp angles, an audible or tactile snap may be
triggered when the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 950 is
appropriately rotated. A retaining element 930, a biasing element
940, and a restraining element 938 may then be inserted into the
pin sleeve 932.
[0150] FIG. 8A is a partial top perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hub assembly 1000. The axial channel 1026 runs the
length of the pin sleeve 1032 (e.g., as described with respect to
the pin sleeve 432 of the retainer housing 420). The hub assembly
1000 comprises a restraining element 1038 that includes a tail or
protrusion 1080. FIG. 8B is top perspective view of an example
embodiment of a restraining element 1038. The tail 1080 is
configured to at least partially occlude the axial channel 1026. In
some embodiments, the tail runs substantially the entire length of
the axial channel 1026. In certain such embodiments, for example in
embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1050
is configured to only be manipulated towards an axle bore or
radially inward, the tail 1080 may desirably inhibit or prevent the
retaining element from being lifted away from an axle bore upon
manipulation of the tab 1056 towards the axle bore or radially
outward, but to allow the retaining element to be lifted away from
an axle bore upon manipulation of the tab 1056 towards the axle
bore.
[0151] The tail 1080, alone or in combination with the connector
1052 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1050 at least
partially occluding the axial channel 1026, may inhibit debris from
entering the conduit of the pin sleeve 1032. In some embodiments, a
method of manufacturing the hub assembly 1000 comprises aligning
the tail 1080 with the axial channel 1026. In some embodiments, a
method of manufacturing the hub assembly 1000 comprises coupling
(e.g., welding, adhering) the tail 1080 to the plug portion of the
restraining element 1038 after the restraining element 1038 has
been coupled to the pin sleeve 1032. In certain such embodiments,
the plug portion, the tail 1080, and the pin sleeve 1032 can be
simultaneously welded together.
[0152] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a side of yet still
another example embodiment of a hub assembly 1100 (e.g., an "outer"
side when the hub assembly 1100 is mounted to a cart 100 via an
axle 700). FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of another side of the
hub assembly 1100 of FIG. 9A (e.g., an "inner" side when the hub
assembly 1100 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). The hub
assembly 1100 may comprise a retainer housing 1120, a retaining
element 1130 (FIGS. 9D and 9E), a biasing element 1140 (FIGS. 9D
and 9E), a restraining element 1138, a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1150, and the like, for example as described herein. The
retainer housing 1120 may include a wheel mounting sleeve 1124 at
least partially defining an axle bore 1116, a pin sleeve 1132, a
spacer 1148, a guiderail 1134, a plurality of raised projections
1118, and the like, for example as described herein.
[0153] The retainer housing 1120 may include a plurality of raised
projections 1118. As discussed herein, the raised projections 1118
may increase the surface area that makes contact with the wheel,
aid in proper orientation between the wheel and the retainer
housing 1120, and/or allow for automated assembly. In some
embodiments, one or more of the raised projections 1118 may include
a cut-out 1170 to allow the tab 1156 and/or the arm 1158 to be
manipulated toward and/or away from the axle bore 1116. In some
embodiments, a cutout of a raised projection 1118 can inhibit
displacement of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, in reaction to a force on the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 from the side illustrated
in FIG. 9A, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 would abut
the cutout portion of the raised projection 1118, which can inhibit
movement of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 in the
axis of the axle bore 1116. Other cutouts of raised projections
1118 and combinations are also possible. In some embodiments, the
connector 1152 (FIG. 9C) of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 is longer, or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150
includes other dimensions or configurations and the raised
projections 1118 do not include a cut-out 1170 because the tab 1156
and/or the arm 1158 can still be manipulated toward and/or away
from the axle bore 1116. Although not illustrated in FIG. 9A, the
retainer housing 1120 may comprise a tool passageway (e.g., as
described herein), for example as a backup in case of obstruction
of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150, to disguise the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 from users knowledgeable
about tool passageways, and the like.
[0154] FIG. 9C is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150, which may be used in
combination with the hub assembly 1100 in FIG. 9A. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 includes an arm or
protrusion 1158, which may be manipulated toward and/or away from
an axle bore 1116 or radially inward and/or outward, a tab 1156
connected to the arm 1158, which may provide increased torque to
the arm 1158, a lifter 1154, which can act on a retaining element
1130 (e.g., lifting a retaining element 1130 away from the axle
bore 1116), and a connector 1152 connecting the tab 1156 and the
lifter 1154.
[0155] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the side of the hub
assembly opposite the axle bore 1116 (e.g., the "outer side"
illustrated in FIG. 9A) by the arm 1158. The ability of a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 to be accessed and/or
manipulated on the "outer side" of the hub assembly 1100 may allow
for the use of the hub assembly 1100 with existing wheel molds
(e.g., wheel molds not including cutouts (protrusions in a mold)
specific to hub assemblies comprising a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism). In an assembled hub assembly 1100, the arm 1158 extends
through a slot 1160 in the retainer housing 1120. In some
embodiments, the arm 1158 includes a projection (e.g., parallel to
the end wall 1128) that at least partially covers or occludes the
slot 1160 in the retainer housing 1120. Such a projection may
inhibit dirt and/or debris from entering a conduit of the pin
sleeve 1132, which could otherwise interfere with the operation of
the components. In some embodiments, the projection is coupled
(e.g., fused, glued, welded, combinations thereof, and the like) to
the arm 1158 after the arm 1158 protrudes through the slot 1160. In
some embodiments, the projection can be decorative (e.g., having
the appearance of a flower, having an appearance similar to other
features of the end wall 1128, etc.). In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 may be accessed and/or
manipulated on the same side of the hub assembly as the axle bore
1116 (e.g., the "inner side" illustrated in FIG. 9B) by the arm
1158. In a wheel assembly comprising certain such hub assemblies
1100, the arm 1158 may extend through a cutout in the wheel.
[0156] In some embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1150 comprises plastic, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1150 is injection molded. Plastic hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms 1150 may be more versatile (e.g., more easily
able to include multiple features than could be stamped from a
sheet of metal, more easily changed by changing a mold and/or
removing pieces, etc.), and/or less expensive to produce than metal
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 1150. In some embodiments, a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 comprising plastic
includes certain buttressing features to improve durability and/or
performance. For example, a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 may comprise a structural support member between the connector
1152 and the lifter 1154, between the connector 1152 and the tab
1156, between the tab 1156 and the arm 1158, and the like. In some
embodiments, buttressing features may influence changes in certain
other components of an associated hub assembly 1100 and/or wheel
assembly (e.g., for clearance). In certain embodiments, the
thickness of a lifter 1154 comprising plastic may be greater than
the thickness of a lifter 1154 comprising metal, for example to
inhibit the parts of the lifter 1154 from bending or breaking upon
interaction with a retaining element 1130.
[0157] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 may be inserted into the pin sleeve 1132 through a channel
1126 in the pin sleeve 1132 that is transverse or substantially
transverse to the longitudinal axis the pin sleeve 1132, even if a
longitudinal dimension is greater than a radial dimension (e.g., in
contrast to the channels 426, 926, 1026 described herein, which are
illustrated as extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the pin sleeve 432, 932, 1032). The channel 1126 is
displaced from openings to the environment such as the slot 1160,
which may inhibit dirt and debris from entering the pin sleeve 1132
that could otherwise interfere with operation of the
components.
[0158] In some embodiments, the side of the retainer housing 1120
facing away from the axle bore 1116 (e.g., the end wall 1128 of the
"outer side" illustrated in FIG. 9A) may include a plurality of
mock or false release mechanisms 1162 including indentations or
apertures 1164, forming a primarily ornamental design on the
portion of the retainer housing 1120 that would be visible to a
user when the hub assembly 1100 is mounted to a cart 100 via an
axle 700. The design created by the mock release mechanisms 1162
may act to camouflage the release mechanism 1150, potentially
detouring vandals and the like, while still providing users access
to the release mechanism 1150. Although illustrated as comprising
six mock release mechanisms 1162, any number of mock release
mechanisms 1162 is possible as may be ornamentally desired. Other
mock or false features are also possible, for example tool
passageways. There may be a tradeoff between the ornamentality of
the mock or false features and other concerns such as manufacturing
costs.
[0159] FIG. 9D is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly 1100 of FIG. 9A along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9B. The
retainer housing 1120 includes a pin sleeve 1132 at least partially
housing some of the other components of the hub assembly 1100. A
retaining element 1130 in the pin sleeve 1132 is configured to
operatively engage a groove 702 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) in an axle
700 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) inserted in the sleeve bore 1116. In
some embodiments, the retaining element 1130 comprises a pin. In
certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a chamfered end 704 (FIGS. 1,
3B, and 6A-6C) such that the retaining element 1130 is transversely
displaced relative to the movement of the axle 700. In certain
embodiments, the retaining element 1130 is shaped (e.g., chamfered)
such that it is transversely displaced relative to the movement of
an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered end). In some embodiments,
the retaining element 1130 is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to
reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize, prevent) rubbing of the sides of
the groove 702 in the axle 700 by the sides of the retaining
element 1130. In some embodiments, the retaining element 1130
comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel), which is may be more
resistant to damage from typical usage of a wheel assembly
comprising the hub assembly 1100 than plastic. Metal may also be
better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic. Other
materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. The retaining element
1130 optionally includes a lip 1136. The optional lip 1136 and the
lifter 1154 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 1130 from
exiting the pin sleeve 1132 into the axle bore 1116. Other shapes
and types of retaining elements 1130 are also possible, including
those that can aid in engaging the retaining element 1130 with the
biasing element 1140 and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 5G).
[0160] A biasing element 1140 in the pin sleeve 1132 is configured
to bias the retaining element 1130 towards the axle bore 1116. The
biasing element 1140 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 9D), a leaf spring, and the like. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 1140 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of a wheel assembly comprising the hub assembly 1100
than plastic, and which may be better suited to shock loading and
vibration than plastic. Other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible. Other shapes and types of biasing elements 1140 are also
possible. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1130 and
the biasing element 1140 are disposed in a cartridge that can be
disposed in the pin sleeve 1132. The addition of layers such as a
cartridge body would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the biasing element 1140 within the
pin sleeve 1132 is in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element
1140 only applies force to the retaining element 1130 and the
restraining element 1138 upon being compressed). In certain
embodiments, the biasing element 1140 within the pin sleeve 1132 is
in a compressed state such that the biasing element 1140 applies
force to the retaining element 1130 and the restraining element
1138 regardless of the position of the retaining element 1130. The
restraining element 1138 is stationary, but the retaining element
1130 can move longitudinally within the pin sleeve 1132 and
compress the biasing element 1140.
[0161] In some embodiments, a restraining element 1138 is
configured to inhibit the retaining element 1130 and/or the biasing
element 1140 from exiting the pin sleeve 1132, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly 1100 to a wheel. The restraining element
1138 may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a deformation in the pin
sleeve 1132, a plurality of ledges extending radially into the pin
sleeve 1132, a disc insertable in a slot in the pin sleeve 1132,
and the like. The omission of the restraining element 1138, for
example so that the biasing element 1140 would abut a wall of a
wheel, would not depart from the invention disclosed herein.
[0162] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 interacts with a retaining element 1130 via a lip 1136 of the
retaining element 1130. In certain embodiments, a lifter 1154
and/or another portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 is positioned under a lip 1136 of a retaining element 1130.
Other embodiments (e.g., those discussed with respect to FIGS.
5A-5P) may also be used.
[0163] To detach the hub assembly 1100 from an axle 700, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 may be manipulated by
pushing the arm 1158 towards the other end of the slot 1160 (e.g.,
towards the axle bore or radially inward), which causes the tab
1156 to move towards the axle bore 1116 or radially inward and the
lifter 1154 to move away from the axle bore 1116 or radially
outward. Manipulation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1150 causes the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1150 to
longitudinally displace the retaining element 1130 at least
partially out (e.g., entirely out) of the axle bore 1116, allowing
an axle 700 to be removed from the axle bore 1116. In certain
embodiments, a wheel mounting sleeve 1124 or other surface acts as
a bearing surface upon which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1150 pivots the lifter 1154 upward, lifting the retaining
element 1130 out of the axle bore 1116. FIG. 9E is a side and
partial cross-sectional view of the hub assembly of FIG. 9A along
the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9B with the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1150 in a release position (e.g., a position in which an
axle 700 may be removed from the axle bore 1116).
[0164] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a side of a further
example embodiment of a hub assembly 1200 (e.g., an "outer" side
when the hub assembly 1200 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle
700). FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of another side of the hub
assembly 1200 of FIG. 10A (e.g., an "inner" side when the hub
assembly 1200 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). The hub
assembly 1200 may comprise a retainer housing 1220, a retaining
element 1230 (FIGS. 10D and 10E), a biasing element 1240 (FIGS. 10D
and 10E), a restraining element 1238, a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1250, and the like, for example as described herein. The
retainer housing 1220 may include a wheel mounting sleeve 1224 at
least partially defining an axle bore 1216, a pin sleeve 1232, a
spacer 1248, a guiderail 1234, a plurality of raised projections
1218, and the like, for example as described herein.
[0165] The retainer housing 1220 may include a plurality of raised
projections 1218. As discussed herein, the raised projections 1218
may increase the surface area that makes contact with the wheel,
aid in proper orientation between the wheel and the retainer
housing 1220, and/or allow for automated assembly. In some
embodiments, one or more of the raised projections 1218 may include
a cut-out 1270 to allow the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 to be manipulated toward and/or away from the axle bore 1216.
In some embodiments (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 9B), the raised
projections 1118 only include a partial cutout 1170, while in some
embodiments (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 10B), the cutout 1270
extends all the way through the raised projection 1218. In some
embodiments, a complete cutout 1270 uses less material and/or may
inhibit interference and/or friction between the raised projection
1218 and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 than partial
cutouts such as the cutouts 1170. Other cutouts 1270 of raised
projections 1218 are also possible.
[0166] FIG. 10C is a top perspective view of an example embodiment
of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250, which may be used in
combination with the hub assembly 1200 in FIG. 10A. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 includes an arm or
protrusion 1258, which may be manipulated toward and/or away from
an axle bore 1216 or radially inward and/or outward, a tab 1256
connected to the arm 1258, which may provide increased torque to
the arm 1258, a lifter 1254, which can act on a retaining element
1230 (e.g., lifting a retaining element 1230 away from the axle
bore 1216), a connector 1252 connecting the tab 1256 and the lifter
1254, and an optional rod 1266. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 may be accessed and/or
manipulated on the side of the hub assembly opposite the axle bore
1216 (e.g., the "outer side" illustrated in FIG. 12A) by the arm
1258. The ability of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 to
be accessed and/or manipulated on the "outer side" of the hub
assembly 1200 may allow for the use of the hub assembly 1200 with
existing wheel molds (e.g., wheel molds not including cutouts
(protrusions in a mold) specific to hub assemblies comprising a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism). In an assembled hub assembly
1200, the arm 1258 extends through a slot 1260 in the retainer
housing 1220. In some embodiments, the arm 1258 includes a
projection (e.g., parallel to the end wall 1228) that at least
partially covers or occludes the slot 1160 in the retainer housing
1120. Such a projection may inhibit dirt and/or debris from
entering a conduit of the pin sleeve 1232, which could otherwise
interfere with the operation of the components. In some
embodiments, the projection is coupled (e.g., fused, glued, welded,
combinations thereof, and the like) to the arm 1258 after the arm
1258 protrudes through the slot 1260. In some embodiments, the
projection can be decorative (e.g., having the appearance of a
flower, having an appearance similar to other features of the end
wall 1228, etc.). In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1250 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the
same side of the hub assembly as the axle bore 1216 (e.g., the
"inner side" illustrated in FIG. 10B) by the arm 1258. In a wheel
assembly comprising certain such hub assemblies 1200, the arm 1258
may extend through a cutout in the wheel.
[0167] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 includes a rod 1266 configured to extend through a hole in the
retainer housing 1220 and that is visible on the side of the hub
assembly 1200 opposite the axle bore 1216 (e.g., the "outer side"
illustrated in FIG. 10A). The rod 1266 may also or alternatively
rest on an edge of the channel 1226 in the pin sleeve 1232 or a
feature proximate to the channel 1226. When the arm 1258 is
manipulated downward, toward the axle bore 1216, the rod 1266
rotates counter-clockwise looking from the side of FIG. 10B,
causing the lifter 1254 to angle away from the axle bore 1216,
lifting the retaining element 1230 out of the axle bore 1216. The
rod 1266 may increase the stability of the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1250 and/or inhibit lateral movement of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250, while still allowing
rotational movement to act on the lifter 1254 and release the
retaining element 1230. In some embodiments, the appearance of the
rod 1266 on the "outer side" of the hub assembly 1200 may look
similar to a tool passageway and/or may serve to camouflage the
presence of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250. The
presence of the rod 1266 on the "outer side" of the hub assembly
may also contribute to a decorative or ornamental design on the hub
assembly.
[0168] In some embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1250 comprises plastic, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1250 is injection molded. Plastic hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms 1250 may be more versatile (e.g., more easily
able to include multiple features than could be stamped from a
sheet of metal, more easily changed by changing a mold and/or
removing pieces, etc.), and/or less expensive to produce than metal
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 1250. In some embodiments, a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 comprising plastic
includes certain buttressing features to improve durability and/or
performance. For example, a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 may comprise a structural support member between the connector
1252 and the lifter 1254, between the connector 1252 and the tab
1256, between the tab 1256 and the arm 1258, and the like. In some
embodiments, buttressing features may influence changes in certain
other components of an associated hub assembly 1200 and/or wheel
assembly (e.g., for clearance). In certain embodiments, the
thickness of a lifter 1254 comprising plastic may be greater than
the thickness of a lifter 1254 comprising metal, for example to
inhibit the parts of the lifter 1254 from bending or breaking upon
interaction with a retaining element 1230.
[0169] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 may be inserted into the pin sleeve 1232 through a channel
1226 in the pin sleeve 1232 that is transverse or substantially
transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pin sleeve 1232, even if
a longitudinal dimension is greater than a radial dimension (e.g.,
in contrast to the channels 426, 926, 1026 described herein, which
are illustrated as extending substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the pin sleeve 432, 932, 1032). The channel
1226 is displaced from openings to the environment such as the slot
1260, which may inhibit dirt and debris from entering the pin
sleeve 1232 that could otherwise interfere with operation of the
components. In some embodiments, the channel 1226 may allow the use
of less material for the pin sleeve 1232 than a pin sleeve with a
longitudinal channel and/or may allow for easier manufacturing
(e.g., during retraction of molds during forming the retainer
housing 1120) and/or assembly (e.g., mechanical coupling of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250, the retaining element
1230, and the retainer housing 1220).
[0170] In some embodiments, the side of the retainer housing 1220
facing away from the axle bore 1216 (e.g., the end wall 1228 of the
"outer side" illustrated in FIG. 10A) may include a plurality of
mock or false release mechanisms including indentations or
apertures, for example as described herein with respect to FIG.
10A, and/or a plurality of mock or false release rods or
protrusions, separately or together forming a primarily ornamental
design on the portion of the retainer housing 1220 that would be
visible to a user when the hub assembly 1200 is mounted to a cart
100 via an axle 700. The design created by the mock release
mechanisms and/or rods may act to camouflage the release mechanism
1250 and/or rod 1266, potentially detouring vandals and the like,
while still providing users access to the release mechanism 1250.
Any number of mock release mechanisms and/or rods is possible as
may be ornamentally desired. There may be a tradeoff between the
ornamentality of the mock or false features and other concerns such
as manufacturing costs.
[0171] FIG. 10D is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly 1200 of FIG. 10A along the line 10D-10D of FIG. 10B.
The retainer housing 1220 includes a pin sleeve 1232 at least
partially housing some of the other components of the hub assembly
1200. A retaining element 1230 in the pin sleeve 1232 is configured
to operatively engage a groove 702 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) in an
axle 700 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) inserted in the sleeve bore 1216.
In some embodiments, the retaining element 1230 comprises a pin. In
certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a chamfered end 704 (FIGS. 1,
3B, and 6A-6C) such that the retaining element 1130 is transversely
displaced relative to the movement of the axle 700. In certain
embodiments, the retaining element 1230 is shaped (e.g., chamfered)
such that it is transversely displaced relative to the movement of
an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered end). In some embodiments,
the retaining element 1230 is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to
reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize, prevent) rubbing of the sides of
the groove 702 in the axle 700 by the sides of the retaining
element 1230. In some embodiments, the retaining element 1230
comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel), which is may be more
resistant to damage from typical usage of a wheel assembly
comprising the hub assembly 1200 than plastic. Metal may also be
better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic. Other
materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. The retaining element
1230 optionally includes a lip 1236. The optional lip 1236 and the
lifter 1254 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 1230 from
exiting the pin sleeve 1232 into the axle bore 1216. Other shapes
and types of retaining elements 1230 are also possible, including
those that can aid in engaging the retaining element 1230 with the
biasing element 1240 and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 5G).
[0172] A biasing element 1240 in the pin sleeve 1232 is configured
to bias the retaining element 1230 towards the axle bore 1216. The
biasing element 1240 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 10D), a leaf spring, and the like. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 1240 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of a wheel assembly comprising the hub assembly 1200
than plastic, and which may be better suited to shock loading and
vibration than plastic. Other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible. Other shapes and types of biasing elements 1240 are also
possible. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1230 and
the biasing element 1240 are disposed in a cartridge that can be
disposed in the pin sleeve 1232. The addition of layers such as a
cartridge body would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the biasing element 1240 within the
pin sleeve 1232 is in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element
1240 only applies force to the retaining element 1230 and the
restraining element 1238 upon being compressed). In certain
embodiments, the biasing element 1240 within the pin sleeve 1232 is
in a compressed state such that the biasing element 1240 applies
force to the retaining element 1230 and the restraining element
1238 regardless of the position of the retaining element 1230. The
restraining element 1238 is stationary, but the retaining element
1230 can move longitudinally within the pin sleeve 1232 and
compress the biasing element 1240.
[0173] In some embodiments, a restraining element 1238 is
configured to inhibit the retaining element 1230 and/or the biasing
element 1240 from exiting the pin sleeve 1232, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly 1200 to a wheel. The restraining element
1238 may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a deformation in the pin
sleeve 1232, a plurality of ledges extending radially into the pin
sleeve 1232, a disc insertable in a slot in the pin sleeve 1232,
and the like. The omission of the restraining element 1238, for
example so that the biasing element 1240 would abut a wall of a
wheel, would not depart from the invention disclosed herein.
[0174] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 interacts with a retaining element 1230 via a lip 1236 of the
retaining element 1230. In certain embodiments, a lifter 1254
and/or another portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1250 is positioned under a lip 1236 of a retaining element 1230.
Other embodiments (e.g., those discussed with respect to FIGS.
5A-5P) may also be used.
[0175] To detach the hub assembly 1200 from an axle 700, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 may be manipulated by
pushing the arm 1258 towards the other end of the slot 1260 (e.g.,
towards the axle bore or radially inward), which causes the tab
1256 to move towards the axle bore 1216 or radially inward, the rod
1266 to rotate (e.g., counter-clockwise looking from the side of
FIG. 10B), and the lifter 1254 to move away from the axle bore 1216
or radially outward. Manipulation of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1250 causes the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250
to longitudinally displace the retaining element 1230 at least
partially out (e.g., entirely out) of the axle bore 1216, allowing
an axle 700 to be removed from the axle bore 1216. In certain
embodiments, a surface of the retainer housing 1220 acts as a
bearing surface upon which the rod 1266 pivots the lifter 1254
upward, lifting the retaining element 1230 out of the axle bore
1116. FIG. 10E is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
hub assembly of FIG. 10A along the line 10D-10D of FIG. 10B with
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1250 in a release position
(e.g., a position in which an axle 700 may be removed from the axle
bore 1216).
[0176] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a side of a still
further example embodiment of a hub assembly 1300 (e.g., an "outer"
side when the hub assembly 1300 is mounted to a cart 100 via an
axle 700). FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of another side of
the hub assembly 1300 of FIG. 11A (e.g., an "inner" side when the
hub assembly 1300 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). The
hub assembly 1300 may comprise a retainer housing 1320, a retaining
element 1330 (FIGS. 11H and 11I), a biasing element 1340 (FIGS. 11H
and 11I), a restraining element 1338, a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350, and the like, for example as described herein. The
retainer housing 1320 may include a wheel mounting sleeve 1324 at
least partially defining an axle bore 1316, a pin sleeve 1332, a
spacer 1348, a guiderail 1334, a plurality of raised projections
1318, and the like, for example as described herein. Although not
illustrated in FIG. 11A or 11E, the retainer housing 1320 may
comprise a tool passageway (e.g., as described herein), for example
as a backup in case of obstruction of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350, to disguise the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 from users knowledgeable about tool passageways, and the
like.
[0177] FIG. 11C is a bottom perspective view of a side of another
example embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350,
which may be used in combination with the hub assembly 1300 in FIG.
11A (e.g., an "outer" side when the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350 is inserted into the hub assembly 1300). FIG. 11D is
a top perspective view of another side of the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1350 of FIG. 11C (e.g., an "inner" side when the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 is inserted into the hub
assembly 1300). The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350
includes an arm or protrusion 1358, which may be manipulated toward
an axle bore 1316, radially inward, and/or clockwise looking from
the side of FIG. 11A or 11C, a lifter 1354, which can act on a
retaining element 1330 (e.g., lifting a retaining element 1330 away
from the axle bore 1316), and a connector or rod 1352 connecting
the arm or protrusion 1358 and the lifter 1354. The arm 1358 is
connected directly to the connector 1352, which may decrease the
quantity of materials used for production of the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1350. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 may comprise plastic, metal, wood, rubber, combinations
thereof, etc. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 may be
integrally formed or may comprise a plurality of components coupled
together.
[0178] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the side of the hub
assembly opposite the axle bore 1316 (e.g., the "outer side"
illustrated in FIG. 11A) by the arm 1358. The ability of a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 to be accessed and/or
manipulated on the "outer side" of the hub assembly 1300 may allow
for the use of the hub assembly 1300 with existing wheel molds
(e.g., wheel molds not including cutouts (protrusions in a mold)
specific to hub assemblies comprising a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism). In an assembled hub assembly 1300, the connector 1352
extends through a slot 1360 in the retainer housing 1320. The arm
1358 may cover the slot 1360 of the retainer housing 1320, which
may inhibit dirt and/or debris from entering a conduit of the pin
sleeve 1332, which could otherwise interfere with the operation of
the components. In some embodiments, the arm 1358 has a shape
(e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, or fan-like) surface texture,
varying thickness, combinations thereof, and the like, that allows
for easier user manipulation (e.g., ability to grip and/or move the
arm 1358). In some embodiments, the side of the arm 1358 facing the
retainer housing 1320 includes a groove 1373. The groove 1373 may
allow for less material to be used in producing the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 than in a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 not including a groove
1373. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the same side of the hub
assembly as the axle bore 1316 (e.g., the "inner side" illustrated
in FIG. 11B) by the arm 1358. In a wheel assembly comprising
certain such hub assemblies 1300, the arm 1358 may extend through a
cutout in the wheel.
[0179] In some embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350 comprises plastic, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350 is injection molded. Plastic hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms 1350 may be more versatile (e.g., more easily
able to include multiple features than could be stamped from a
sheet of metal, more easily changed by changing a mold and/or
removing pieces, etc.) and/or less expensive to produce than metal
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 1350. In some embodiments, a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 comprising plastic
includes certain buttressing features to improve durability and/or
performance. In some embodiments, buttressing features may
influence changes in certain other components of an associated hub
assembly 1300 and/or wheel assembly (e.g., for clearance). In
certain embodiments, the thickness of a lifter 1354 comprising
plastic may be greater than the thickness of a lifter 1354
comprising metal, for example to inhibit the parts of the lifter
1354 from bending or breaking upon interaction with a retaining
element 1330.
[0180] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 may be inserted into the pin sleeve 1332 through an axial
channel 1326 in the pin sleeve 1332. In some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 may be oriented so that
the lifter 1354 is parallel with the pin sleeve 1332, inserted
through the slot 1360 in the retainer housing 1320, and then
rotated through the channel 1326 in the pin sleeve 1332. Other
methods of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism are also
possible.
[0181] FIG. 11E is a bottom perspective view of an example
embodiment of a retainer housing 1320. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11E, the side of the retainer housing 1320
facing away from the axle bore 1316 includes a protrusion 1375. The
protrusion 1375 may interact with the groove 1373 in the arm 1358
to inhibit the movement of the arm 1358. For example, when the
release mechanism 1350 is in a "locked position" (e.g., when the
retaining element 1330 is protruding into the axle bore 1316), the
protrusion 1375 may inhibit the retaining element 1330 from
protruding too far into the axle bore 1316 because rotation of the
arm 1358 is limited by interaction between the protrusion 1375 and
the sides of the groove 1373. When the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350 is in a "release position" (e.g., when the retaining
element 1330 is not protruding into the axle bore 1316), the
protrusion 1375 may inhibit the retaining element 1330 from
protruding too far into the pin sleeve 1332 (and, e.g., disengaging
the lifter 1354) because rotation of the arm 1358 is limited by
interaction between the protrusion 1375 and the sides of the groove
1373.
[0182] In some embodiments, the side of the retainer housing 1320
facing away from the axle bore 1316 (e.g., the end wall 1328 of the
"outer side" illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11E) may include a
plurality of mock or false release mechanisms 1362 forming a
primarily ornamental design on the portion of the retainer housing
1320 that would be visible to a user when the hub assembly 1300 is
mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700. The design created by the
mock release mechanisms 1362 may act to camouflage the release
mechanism 1350, potentially detouring vandals and the like, while
still providing users access to the release mechanism 1350.
Although illustrated as comprising six mock release mechanisms
1362, any number of mock release mechanisms 1362 is possible as may
be ornamentally desired. Other mock or false features are also
possible, for example tool passageways. There may be a tradeoff
between the ornamentality of the mock or false features and other
concerns such as manufacturing costs.
[0183] FIG. 11F is a bottom perspective view of another example
embodiment of a retainer housing 1320, which shows some optional
changes versus the retainer housing 1320 of FIG. 11E, but which may
still be used with the hub assembly 1300. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11F, the end wall 1328 of the retainer housing
1320 includes a protrusion 1375, which may interact with the groove
1373 in the arm 1358 to inhibit the movement of the arm 1358, for
example as described herein with respect to FIG. 11E. The retainer
housing 1320 also includes a slot or aperture 1377 proximate to the
peak side of the protrusion 1375. During coupling of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350, a side of the groove 1373
may at least partially compress the protrusion 1375 into the slot
1377 and/or the slot 1377 may allow flexure of the protrusion 1375.
Once the protrusion 1375 is in the groove 1373, the peak of the
protrusion 1375 can inhibit the arm 1358 from rotating clockwise
(e.g., past the position illustrated in FIG. 11I). In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11F, the end wall 1328 of the
retainer housing 1320 includes a stop or barricade 1379, which may
inhibit the arm 1358 from rotating counter-clockwise (e.g., past
the position illustrated in FIG. 11H). Embodiments comprising
neither, one, or both of the aperture 1377 and the stop 1379 are
also possible.
[0184] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11F, the retainer
housing 1320 does not include a spacer 1348, but includes a
guiderail 1334. In some embodiments, the retainer housing 1320 may
include a spacer 1348 and not a guiderail 1334. The guiderail 1334
may be a recess configured to interact with a protrusion in a
wheel, may extend only part of the length of the spacer 1348 and/or
wheel mounting sleeve 1324, and other combinations described
herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11F, the retainer
housing 1320 does not include mock or false release mechanisms,
which may, for example reduce costs by reducing material used for
the retainer housing 1320 and/or may allow a user to apply their
own ornamental pattern.
[0185] FIGS. 11Gi-11Giii are perspective views of an example
embodiment of at least a portion of a method of assembling a hub
assembly 1300. The hub assembly 1320 illustrated in FIGS.
11Gi-11Giii includes a stop 1379, but does not include a slot 1377.
The end wall 1328 of the hub assembly 1320 illustrated in FIGS.
11Gi-11Giii includes a plurality of mock release mechanisms 1362,
although the shapes of the arm 1358 and the mock release mechanisms
1362 are different than the shapes of the arm 1358 and the mock
release mechanisms 1362 illustrated in FIG. 11E. Many shapes are
possible, for function or for ornamentation. In FIG. 11Gi, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 is almost inserted into
the slot 1360. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 fits into the slot 1360
like a key into a key-hole. Once the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1350 is inserted into the slot 1360, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 can rotate
counter-clockwise, as illustrated in FIG. 11Gii. The arm 1358
slides over the protrusion 1375 (e.g., by the arm 1358 flexing
outward and/or the protrusion 1375 flexing inward, which may be
increased by the addition of a slot 1377), and the protrusion 1375
fits into the groove 1373. In some embodiments, the retainer
housing 1320 does not include a protrusion 1375, and the arm 1358
is rotated without initial resistance. After the action in FIG.
11Giii, the retaining element 1330 is positioned in the pin sleeve
1332. Once the retaining element 1330 is in place, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 may be inhibited from
freely rotating. Although not illustrated, a biasing element 1340
may then be positioned in the pin sleeve 1332, and a restraining
element 1338 then optionally may be positioned to at least
partially occlude the pin sleeve 1332 and coupled to the retainer
housing 1320 (e.g., by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, threads,
etc.).
[0186] FIG. 11H is a top perspective, partial cross-sectional, and
partial cutaway view of the hub assembly of FIG. 11A along the line
11F-11F of FIG. 11B. The retainer housing 1320 includes a pin
sleeve 1332 at least partially housing some of the other components
of the hub assembly 1300. A retaining element 1330 in the pin
sleeve 1332 is configured to operatively engage a groove 702 (FIGS.
1, 3B, and 6A-6C) in an axle 700 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) inserted
in the sleeve bore 1316. In some embodiments, the retaining element
1330 comprises a pin. In certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a
chamfered end 704 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) such that the retaining
element 1130 is transversely displaced relative to the movement of
the axle 700. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1330 is
shaped (e.g., chamfered) such that it is transversely displaced
relative to the movement of an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered
end). In some embodiments, the retaining element 1330 is configured
(e.g., dimensioned) to reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize, prevent)
rubbing of the sides of the groove 702 in the axle 700 by the sides
of the retaining element 1330. In some embodiments, the retaining
element 1330 comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel), which is may
be more resistant to damage from typical usage of a wheel assembly
comprising the hub assembly 1300 than plastic. Metal may also be
better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic. Other
materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. The retaining element
1330 optionally includes a lip 1336. The optional lip 1336 and the
lifter 1354 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 1330 from
exiting the pin sleeve 1332 into the axle bore 1316. Other shapes
and types of retaining elements 1330 are also possible, including
those that can aid in engaging the retaining element 1330 with the
biasing element 1340 and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 5G).
[0187] A biasing element 1340 in the pin sleeve 1332 is configured
to bias the retaining element 1330 towards the axle bore 1316. The
biasing element 1340 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIGS. 11H and 11I), a leaf spring, and the like. In
some embodiments, the biasing element 1340 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which is may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of a wheel assembly comprising the hub assembly 1300
than plastic, and which may be better suited to shock loading and
vibration than plastic. Other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible. Other shapes and types of biasing elements 1340 are also
possible. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1330 and
the biasing element 1340 are disposed in a cartridge that can be
disposed in the pin sleeve 1332. The addition of layers such as a
cartridge body would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the biasing element 1340 within the
pin sleeve 1332 is in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element
1340 only applies force to the retaining element 1330 and the
restraining element 1338 upon being compressed). In certain
embodiments, the biasing element 1340 within the pin sleeve 1332 is
in a compressed state such that the biasing element 1340 applies
force to the retaining element 1330 and the restraining element
1338 regardless of the position of the retaining element 1330. The
restraining element 1338 is stationary, but the retaining element
1330 can move longitudinally within the pin sleeve 1332 and
compress the biasing element 1340.
[0188] In some embodiments, a restraining element 1338 is
configured to inhibit the retaining element 1330 and/or the biasing
element 1340 from exiting the pin sleeve 1332, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly 1300 to a wheel. The restraining element
1338 may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a deformation in the pin
sleeve 1332, a plurality of ledges extending radially into the pin
sleeve 1332, a disc insertable in a slot in the pin sleeve 1332,
and the like. The omission of the restraining element 1338, for
example so that the biasing element 1340 would abut a wall of a
wheel, would not depart from the invention disclosed herein.
[0189] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 interacts with a retaining element 1330 via a lip 1336 of the
retaining element 1330. In certain embodiments, a lifter 1354
and/or another portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 is positioned under a lip 1336 of a retaining element 1330.
Other embodiments (e.g., those discussed with respect to FIGS.
5A-5P) may also be used.
[0190] To detach the hub assembly 1300 from an axle 700, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 may be manipulated by
pushing the arm 1358 towards the axle bore 1316 (e.g., clockwise
looking from the side of FIG. 11A, towards the axle bore 1316, or
radially inwardly) such that the protrusion 1375 abuts the other
end of the groove 1373, which causes the rod 1266 to rotate (e.g.,
counter-clockwise looking from the side of FIG. 13B), and the
lifter 1354 to angle away from the axle bore 1316 or radially
outward. Manipulation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1350 causes the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 to
longitudinally displace the retaining element 1330 at least
partially out (e.g., entirely out) of the axle bore 1316, allowing
an axle 700 to be removed from the axle bore 1316. FIG. 11I is a
top perspective, partial cross-sectional, and partial cutaway view
of the hub assembly of FIG. 11A along the line 11F-11F of FIG. 11B
with the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1350 in a release
position (e.g., a position in which an axle 700 may be removed from
the axle bore 1316).
[0191] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a side of a yet
further example embodiment of a hub assembly 1400 (e.g., an "outer"
side when the hub assembly 1400 is mounted to a cart 100 via an
axle 700). FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of another side of
the hub assembly 1400 of FIG. 12A (e.g., an "inner" side when the
hub assembly 1400 is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 700). The
hub assembly 1400 may comprise a retainer housing 1420, a retaining
element 1430 (FIGS. 12E-12G), a biasing element 1440 (FIGS. 12F and
12G), a restraining element 1438, a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450, and the like, for example as described herein. The
retainer housing 1420 may include a wheel mounting sleeve 1424 at
least partially defining an axle bore 1416, a pin sleeve 1432, a
lifting projection 1490, a spacer 1448, a guiderail 1434, a
plurality of raised projections 1418, and the like, for example as
described herein.
[0192] The lifting projection 1490 in FIG. 12B may be rounded or
arcuate in shape. As discussed herein, the lifting projection 1490
remains stationary when the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 rotates. Due to the design of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 discussed herein, the lifting projection 1490 causes
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 to move away from the
axle bore 1416 or radially outward. The rise of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 causes the retaining
element 1430 to move away from the axle bore 1416 or radially
outward.
[0193] FIG. 12C is a bottom perspective view of another example
embodiment of a hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450, which may
be used in combination with the hub assembly 1400 in FIG. 12A. FIG.
12D is a top perspective view of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 of FIG. 12C. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 includes an arm or protrusion 1458, which may be manipulated
diagonally upward or radially outward, a lifter 1454, which can act
on a retaining element 1430 (e.g., lifting a retaining element 1430
away from the axle bore 1416), a body 1452, and an angular or
ramped portion 1492. The angular or ramped portion 1492 extends
from the body 1452 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450.
When the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 is rotated (e.g.,
in a clockwise manner looking through the pin sleeve 1432), the
ramped portion 1492 interacts with the projection 1490 of the
retainer housing 1420 to cause the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 to move away from the axle bore 1416 or radially
outward. The lifter 1454 acts on the retaining element 1430 such
that the retaining element 1430 also moves away from the axle bore
or radially outward. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1450 includes one ramped portion 1492 and the
retainer housing 1420 includes one projection 1490, for example to
reduce materials and/or manufacturing complexity. In some
embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 includes
a plurality of ramped portions 1492 and 1493 and the retainer
housing 1420 includes a plurality of projections 1490, for example
to even out the forces across the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450. The body may include an upper lip 1494 that
connects the arm 1458 to the body 1452. FIG. 12E is a
cross-sectional view of a retaining element 1430 and the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 along the line 12E-12E of
FIG. 12D. FIG. 12E illustrates an example interaction between the
retaining element 1430 and/or a lip 1436 thereon and the lifter
1492. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 may comprise
plastic, metal, wood, rubber, combinations thereof, etc. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 may be integrally formed
or may comprise a plurality of components coupled together.
[0194] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the side of the hub
assembly opposite the axle bore 1416 (e.g., the "outer side"
illustrated in FIG. 12A) by the arm 1458. The ability of a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 to be accessed and/or
manipulated on the "outer side" of the hub assembly 1400 may allow
for the use of the hub assembly 1400 with existing wheel molds
(e.g., wheel molds not including cutouts (protrusions in a mold)
specific to hub assemblies comprising a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism). In an assembled hub assembly 1400, the arm 1458 extends
through a slot 1460 in the retainer housing 1420. In some
embodiments, the arm 1458 includes a projection (e.g., parallel to
the end wall 1428) that at least partially covers or occludes the
slot 1460 in the retainer housing 1420. Such a projection may
inhibit dirt and/or debris from entering a conduit of the pin
sleeve 1432, which could otherwise interfere with the operation of
the components. In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 may be accessed and/or manipulated on the same side
of the hub assembly as the axle bore 1416 (e.g., the "inner side"
illustrated in FIG. 12B) by the arm 1458. In a wheel assembly
comprising certain such hub assemblies 1400, the arm 1458 may
extend through a cutout in the wheel.
[0195] In some embodiments in which the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 comprises plastic, the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 is injection molded. Plastic hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms 1450 may be more versatile (e.g., more easily
able to include multiple features than could be stamped from a
sheet of metal, more easily changed by changing a mold and/or
removing pieces, etc.) and/or less expensive to produce than metal
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 1450. In some embodiments, a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 comprising plastic
includes certain buttressing features to improve durability and/or
performance. In some embodiments, buttressing features may
influence changes in certain other components of an associated hub
assembly 1400 and/or wheel assembly (e.g., for clearance). In
certain embodiments, the thickness of a lifter 1454 and/or the
angled or ramped portion 1492 comprising plastic may be greater
than the thickness of a lifter 1454 and/or the angled or ramped
portion 1492 comprising metal, for example to inhibit the parts of
the lifter 1454 from bending or breaking upon interaction with a
retaining element 1430.
[0196] Referring again to FIG. 12B, in some embodiments, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 may be inserted into the
pin sleeve 1432 through a channel 1426 in the pin sleeve 1432 that
is transverse or substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis
of the pin sleeve 1432, even if a longitudinal dimension is greater
than a radial dimension (e.g., in contrast to the channels 426,
926, 1026 described herein, which are illustrated as extending
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin sleeve
432, 932, 1032).
[0197] FIG. 12F is a side perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of the hub assembly 1400 of FIG. 12A along the line 12F-12F of
FIG. 12B. The retainer housing 1420 includes a pin sleeve 1432 at
least partially housing some of the other components of the hub
assembly 1400. A retaining element 1430 in the pin sleeve 1432 is
configured to operatively engage a groove 702 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and
6A-6C) in an axle 700 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) inserted in the
sleeve bore 1416. In some embodiments, the retaining element 1430
comprises a pin. In certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a
chamfered end 704 (FIGS. 1, 3B, and 6A-6C) such that the retaining
element 1130 is transversely displaced relative to the movement of
the axle 700. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1430 is
shaped (e.g., chamfered) such that it is transversely displaced
relative to the movement of an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered
end). In some embodiments, the retaining element 1430 is configured
(e.g., dimensioned) to reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize, prevent)
rubbing of the sides of the groove 702 in the axle 700 by the sides
of the retaining element 1430. In some embodiments, the retaining
element 1430 comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel), which is may
be more resistant to damage from typical usage of a wheel assembly
comprising the hub assembly 1400 than plastic. Metal may also be
better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic. Other
materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. The lip 1436 of the
retaining element 1430, the lifter 1454, and/or the angled or
ramped projection 1492 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 1430 from
exiting the pin sleeve 1432 into the axle bore 1416. Other shapes
and types of retaining elements 1430 are also possible, including
those that can aid in engaging the retaining element 1430 with the
biasing element 1440 and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 5G).
[0198] A biasing element 1440 in the pin sleeve 1432 is configured
to bias the retaining element 1430 towards the axle bore 1416. The
biasing element 1440 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIGS. 12F and 12G), a leaf spring, and the like. In
some embodiments, the biasing element 1440 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which is may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of a wheel assembly comprising the hub assembly 1400
than plastic, and which may be better suited to shock loading and
vibration than plastic. Other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible. Other shapes and types of biasing elements 1440 are also
possible. In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1430 and
the biasing element 1440 are disposed in a cartridge that can be
disposed in the pin sleeve 1432. The addition of layers such as a
cartridge body would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the biasing element 1440 within the
pin sleeve 1432 is in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element
1440 only applies force to the retaining element 1430 and the
restraining element 1438 upon being compressed). In certain
embodiments, the biasing element 1440 within the pin sleeve 1432 is
in a compressed state such that the biasing element 1440 applies
force to the retaining element 1430 and the restraining element
1438 regardless of the position of the retaining element 1430. The
restraining element 1438 is stationary, but the retaining element
1430 can move longitudinally within the pin sleeve 1432 and
compress the biasing element 1440.
[0199] In some embodiments, a restraining element 1438 is
configured to inhibit the retaining element 1430 and/or the biasing
element 1440 from exiting the pin sleeve 1432, at least prior to
coupling the hub assembly 1400 to a wheel. The restraining element
1438 may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a deformation in the pin
sleeve 1432, a plurality of ledges extending radially into the pin
sleeve 1432, a disc insertable in a slot in the pin sleeve 1432,
and the like. The omission of the restraining element 1438, for
example so that the biasing element 1440 would abut a wall of a
wheel, would not depart from the invention disclosed herein.
[0200] In some embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 interacts with a retaining element 1430 via a lip 1436 of the
retaining element 1430. In certain embodiments, a lifter 1454 of
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 is positioned under a
lip 1436 of a retaining element 1430. Other embodiments (e.g.,
those discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A-5P) may also be used.
[0201] To detach the hub assembly 1400 from an axle 700, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 may be rotated (e.g.,
clockwise looking through the pin sleeve 1432) by pushing the arm
1458 diagonally upward and to the left (e.g., from the side and
orientation of FIG. 12A), away from the axle bore 1416, or radially
outward, which causes the ramped portion 1492 to interact with the
lifting projection 1490 to translate lateral movement of the arm
and/or rotational movement of the body 1452 into longitudinal
movement of the lifter 1454 away from the axle bore. Manipulation
of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 causes the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 to longitudinally displace
the retaining element 1430 at least partly out (e.g., entirely out)
of the axle bore 1416. FIG. 12G is a side perspective and partial
cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 1400 of FIG. 12A along the
line 12F-12F of FIG. 12B with the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1450 in a release position (e.g., a position in which an
axle 700 may be removed from the axle bore 1416). In some
embodiments, rotation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 is at least partially limited by interaction between the arm
1458 and the sides of the slot 1460. In some embodiments, rotation
of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 is at least
partially limited by interaction between the upper lip 1494 and the
pin sleeve 1432 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 12G). In some
embodiments, rotation the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450
it limited by interaction between a projection or stopping surface
on the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 and/or the retainer
housing 1420.
[0202] FIG. 12H is a top perspective and partially exploded view of
another example embodiment of a hub assembly 1400. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12H, the hub assembly comprises a
cover or facade 1470. The cover 1470 may inhibit dirt and/or debris
from entering the pin sleeve 1432 through the slot 1460, which
could otherwise interfere with operation of the components of the
hub assembly 1400. In some embodiments, the cover 1470 is
hand-removable, for example so that operation of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450 is entirely possible
without a tool (e.g., no tool is first used to remove the cover
1470). FIG. 12H illustrates an example of a hand-removable cover
1470, which includes hooks 1472 configured to interact with slots
1474 in the retainer housing 1420. Other mechanisms for attachment
and removal of the cover 1470 are also possible. In some
embodiments, operation of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
1450 is possible without a tool before a cover 1470 is placed over
the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1450, for example after a
wheel assembly comprising the hub assembly 1400 is coupled to an
axle 700 after distribution. Covers are also possible for the other
embodiments of hub assemblies described herein.
[0203] In some embodiments, a plurality of hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms may be used on the same hub assembly. For
example, a hub assembly may comprise a first hand-maneuverable
release mechanism (e.g., as described herein) configured to engage
an axle at a first circumferential position and a second
hand-maneuverable release mechanism (e.g., as described herein)
configured to engage the axle at a second circumferential position
circumferentially spaced from the first circumferential position.
The first and second circumferential positions may be about
90.degree. apart, about 180.degree. apart, or any other spacing
suitable for the application. In some embodiments, releasing the
hub assembly from the axle comprises manipulating both the first
and second hand-maneuverable release mechanism so that the pins
associated therewith are retracted at the same time, for example
due to at least partially simultaneous action. More than two
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms are also possible (e.g., three
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms circumferentially spaced by
about 120.degree., etc.). The plurality of hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms may each be the same or different. For example,
a first hand-maneuverable release mechanisms may be a first type of
first hand-maneuverable release mechanism (e.g., pull up, push
down, swipe, on inside of wheel, on outside of wheel, or any of the
embodiments described herein or modifications thereof) and a second
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms may be a second type of
hand-maneuverable release mechanism (e.g., pull up, push down,
swipe, on inside of wheel, on outside of wheel, or any of the
embodiments described herein or modifications thereof). A plurality
of hand-maneuverable release mechanisms may prevent accidental
wheel removal, which may be particularly important, for example,
when the wheel is part of a child's toy. Varying the type and/or
position of the hand-maneuverable release mechanisms on the same
wheel may enhance this advantage, for example because the user
would need to know or figure out how to operate two release
mechanisms, and to do so at least partially simultaneously such
that the both pins are retracted to allow wheel removal.
[0204] In some embodiments, the hub assembly and wheel described
herein may be a single integrated component. For example, referring
again to FIG. 2C, rather than the retainer housing 208 and the
wheel 202 being separate pieces, the retainer housing 208 and the
wheel 202 may be a single integral piece. In certain such
integrated embodiments, the features described herein may be
modified to accommodate integration. For example, the pin sleeve
may extend through the portion of the wheel shown covering the
restraining element such that the restraining element is couplable
to the integrated wheel. For another example, the pin sleeve may
extend substantially across a radius of the wheel, and the
restraining element may be coupled to the integrated wheel
proximate to a perimeter or circumference of the wheel (e.g., by
sonic welding, adhesion, threads, etc.). In certain such
embodiments, the restraining element may be secured by a different
tread material (e.g., by multi-shot molding, by stretching a
separate tread piece around the wheel, etc.). In some embodiments,
a different tread material can itself act as the restraining
element (e.g., by holding down the biasing element during
multi-shot molding, by stretching a separate tread piece around the
wheel, etc.). In certain such embodiments, an elongate spacer such
as a rod or hollow straw may extend at least partially through the
pin sleeve between the restraining element and the biasing element.
In some embodiments, the restraining element may comprise the
elongate spacer. For yet another example, surface features such as
the annular rib 422, the sleeve bore 212, etc. that configured to
couple the retainer housing to the wheel may be modified or
omitted. For still another example, certain modifications to the
integrated retainer housing and wheel such as cutouts may be formed
for assembly and/or operation of locking components such as
hand-maneuverable release mechanisms.
[0205] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of an integrated wheel assembly 1500 (e.g., an "inner"
side when the wheel assembly 1500 is mounted to a cart 100 via an
axle 700.) The wheel 1502 of the wheel assembly 1500 illustrated in
FIG. 13A is injection molded. In some embodiments, the wheel of the
wheel assembly 1500 is blow molded or molded using other processes
(e.g., rotational or compression molding, or combinations of
molding processes). In certain embodiments, tread 1504 and/or
spokes 1506 are integrally formed during the molding process. The
tread 1504 can help the wheel 1502 to frictionally engage a surface
during rolling movement (e.g., if coupled to an axle in a manner in
which axle rotation causes rotation of the wheel assembly 1500)
and/or can enhance the appearance of the wheel 1502 (e.g., as a
decorative feature). In some embodiments, the wheel 1502 comprises
a smooth tread. Rolling surfaces of wheels, for example being
smooth or including treads 1504, may be integrated into the molding
process or may be formed in a multi-step process known as
multi-shot molding. The spokes 1506 can help evenly distribute
forces acting on the wheel 1502 and/or can enhance the appearance
of the wheel 1502. Other features of the wheel 1502 may also be
integrally formed by modifying the mold. The injection molding
process can form corrugated and/or hollow interior surfaces 1510
that can reduce the amount of material used in creation of the
wheel 1502. Certain recesses 1510 can provide strength by being
certain shapes. In certain embodiments, the wheel 1502 comprises
plastic (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g., high
molecular weight HDPE)). In some embodiments, the wheel assembly
1500 comprises a material such as wood, metal, rubber, combinations
thereof, etc.
[0206] FIG. 13B is cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly 1500
of FIG. 13A along the line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A. In the integrated
wheel assembly 1500 illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the wheel
1502 includes an axle bore 1516 and a pin sleeve 1532. A retaining
element 1530 and a biasing element 1540 are at least partially
within the pin sleeve 1532.
[0207] The axle bore 1516 is configured to receive an axle 700 such
that the wheel assembly 1500 can be removably mounted to an axle
700. In some embodiments, the axle bore 1516 is at least partially
defined by a wheel mounting sleeve 1524. In some embodiments, the
wheel mounting sleeve 1524 and/or the axle bore 1516 may be
centered within the wheel 1502 such that an axle 700 inserted into
the wheel mounting sleeve 1524 and/or the axle bore 1516 can
uniformly rotate.
[0208] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly comprises a spacer
1548. In some embodiments, the axle bore 1516 is at least partially
defined by the spacer 1548. In some embodiments, the axle bore 1516
is defined by the wheel mounting sleeve 1524 and the spacer 1548.
The spacer 1548 is configured to space the wheel assembly 1500 from
the cart body 102 by at least a distance d. The distance d may be
between about 0.25 inches and about 3 inches (approx. between about
0.6 cm and about 7.6 cm), between about 0.5 inches and about 3
inches (approx. between about 1.2 cm and about 7.6 cm), between
about 1 inch and about 3 inches (approx. between about 2.5 cm and
about 7.6 cm), combinations thereof, and the like. Other distances
d are also possible (e.g., greater than about 3 inches (greater
than approx. about 7.6 cm), less than about 0.25 inches (less than
approx. about 0.6 cm)). The spacer 1548 restricts the longitudinal
movement of the wheel assembly 1500 once mounted to the cart 100 by
the axle 700, inhibiting or preventing the wheel assembly 1500
other than the spacer 1548 from coming into contact with the cart
100. By inhibiting or preventing contact between the wheel assembly
1500 other than the spacer 1548 and the cart 100, the spacer 1548
can reduce friction that could result from such contact. Friction
between the wheel 1502 of the wheel assembly 1500 and the cart 100
could cause damage to the wheel 1502 and/or the cart 100, and/or
could impede rotation of the wheel assembly 1500 and/or movement of
the cart 100.
[0209] FIG. 13C is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of
the wheel assembly 1500 of FIG. 13A along the line 13B-13B of FIG.
13A. The pin sleeve 1532 includes a first end 1542, a second end
1544, and a conduit 1546 between the first end 1542 and the second
end 1544. The first end 1542 optionally includes a shoulder 1511
extending into the conduit 1546.
[0210] The retaining element 1530 is at least partially within the
conduit 1546 of the pin sleeve 1532. The retaining element 1530 is
configured to operatively engage a groove 702 in an axle 700. In
some embodiments, the retaining element 1530 comprises a pin. In
certain embodiments, an axle 700 has a chamfered end 704 such that
the retaining element 1530 is transversely displacable upon
longitudinal movement of the axle 700 into the axle bore 1516. In
certain embodiments, the retaining element 1530 is shaped (e.g.,
chamfered) such that it is transversely displaceable upon the
movement of an axle 700 (e.g., without a chamfered end) into the
axle bore 1516. In some embodiments, the retaining element 1530 is
configured (e.g., dimensioned) to reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize,
prevent) rubbing of the sides of the groove 702 in the axle 700 by
the sides of the retaining element 1530. In some embodiments, the
retaining element 1530 comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel),
which may be more resistant to damage from typical usage of the
integrated wheel assembly 1500 than plastic. Metal may also be
better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic. However,
other materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible.
[0211] The retaining element 1530 optionally includes a lip 1536
that is wider than the shoulder 1511. The optional lip 1536 and
shoulder 1511 can interact to inhibit the retaining element 1530
from exiting the first end 1542 of the pin sleeve 1532. In wheel
assemblies comprising a retaining element without a lip and a
retainer housing without a shoulder, the retaining element may be
pushed by the biasing element 1540 into the axle bore 1516, where
it may become lost (e.g., by becoming displaced from the wheel
assembly) or damaged (e.g., by being crushed by an axle 700),
although some embodiments described herein can avoid these issues.
A portion of the retaining element 1530 below the lip 1532 is in
the axle bore 1516 and is not within the conduit 1546 of the pin
sleeve 1532. Other shapes and types of retaining elements 1530 are
also possible. For example, the retaining element 1530 may be
shaped to always have a certain orientation within the conduit 1546
(e.g., having a flat side that inhibits rotation of the retaining
element 1530 within the conduit 1546 (e.g., a flat side on the lip
1536, a flat side above the lip 1536, and/or a flat side below the
lip 1536)). Such embodiments may be useful for proper engagement of
a partially chamfered retaining element 1530 with a non-chamfered
axle 700. For another example, the lip 1536 may be longitudinally
thicker, which can stabilize the retaining element 1530 by reducing
the chance of the retaining element 1530 from pivoting within the
conduit 1546. For another example, the retaining element 1530 may
be truncated above the lip 1536, for example to reduce weight
and/or material costs. Other possible shapes for the retaining
element 1530 include those that can aid in engaging the retaining
element 1530 with the biasing element 1540 and/or the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 (e.g., as described with
respect to FIG. 5F).
[0212] The biasing element 1540 is at least partially within the
conduit 1546 of the pin sleeve 1532. The biasing element 1540 is
configured to bias the retaining element 1530 towards the axle bore
1516. The biasing element 1540 may comprise a coil spring (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 13C), a leaf spring, and the like. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 1540 comprises metal (e.g.,
stainless steel), which may be more resistant to damage from
typical usage of the wheel assembly 1500 than plastic and which may
be better suited to shock loading and vibration than plastic.
However, other materials (e.g., plastic) are also possible. Other
shapes and types of biasing elements 1540 are also possible.
[0213] The integrated wheel assembly 1500 further comprises a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 for convenient removal of
the integrated wheel assembly 1500 from an axle 700. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 is configured to displace
the retaining element 1530 away from the axle bore 1516. The
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 illustrated in FIG. 13C
comprises a tab 1556 or other means for user interaction, a lifter
1554, which interacts with the retaining element 1530, and a
connector 1552 connecting the lifter 1554 and the tab 1556.
Additional examples of hand-maneuverable release mechanisms 1550,
some of which are described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5P
and FIGS. 9C, 10C, 11C, and 12C, can include an angled connector,
no connector, different shapes and configurations of lifters, guide
arms, and/or different shapes and configurations of tabs.
[0214] FIG. 13D is an exploded perspective view of the wheel
assembly 1500 of FIG. 13A. The wheel assembly 1500 includes a pin
sleeve 1532 and an axle bore 1516. The pin sleeve 1532 comprises an
orifice 1527 and an axial channel 1526 extending from the orifice
1527 towards the axle bore 1516. The method of assembly illustrated
in FIG. 13D comprises inserting a portion (e.g., two prongs of a
lifter 1554, as illustrated in FIG. 5A) of a hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1550 through the orifice 1527 (e.g., with the
prongs parallel to the axle bore 1516 or tilted towards the second
end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532) until the portion is in the pin
sleeve 1532. Once the portion of the hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1550 is through the orifice 1527, the hand-maneuverable
release mechanism 1550 can be lowered down the axial channel 1526,
away from the orifice 1527, towards the axle bore 1516. In some
embodiments, the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 can be
inserted into the pin sleeve 1532 through the orifice 1527 without
subsequently needing to be rotated or turned in a clockwise or
counter-clockwise direction. A retaining element 1530 may then be
positioned in the pin sleeve 1532. In some embodiments, for example
when the retaining element 1530 and hand-maneuverable release
mechanism 1550 are similar to the elements illustrated in FIG. 5G,
lowering of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 may be
after engagement with the retaining element 1530. Once the
retaining element 1530 is in the pin sleeve 1532, a biasing element
1540 may be positioned in the pin sleeve 1532. While not
illustrated in FIG. 13D, after the biasing element 1540 is in the
pin sleeve 1532, the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532 may be
deformed or otherwise occluded with a restraining element (e.g., a
restraining element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d as discussed
herein).
[0215] In some embodiments, the pin sleeve 1532 includes an axial
channel 1526 extending between the first end 1542 of the pin sleeve
1532 and the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532. In some
embodiments, the axial channel 1526 extends all the way through the
second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532, which may allow the lifer
1554 of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 to slide
towards the axle bore 1516 from the second end 1544 of the pin
sleeve 1532. In some embodiments, a portion of the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 (e.g., prongs of the
lifter 1554, as illustrated in FIG. 5A) is inserted into the pin
sleeve 1532 (e.g., proximate to the first end 1542; e.g., through
the channel 1526) and rotated until the portion is roughly or
substantially parallel to the axle bore 1516, until the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 does not exit the pin
sleeve 1532 by pulling in a direction away from the pin sleeve
1532, and/or until the lifter 1554 can interact with the retaining
element 1530. Other methods of assembling a wheel assembly 1500 are
also possible.
[0216] The second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532 illustrated in
FIGS. 13A-13D has the same diameter as the rest of the pin sleeve
1532 above the shoulder 1511. If the wheel rotates 180.degree., the
biasing element 1540, the retaining element 1530, and/or the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 may exit the second end
1544 of the pin sleeve 1532. In some embodiments, the integrated
wheel assembly 1500 further comprises a restraining element (e.g.,
the restraining element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d) that is
configured to inhibit the biasing element 1540, the retaining
element 1530, and/or the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550
from exiting the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532. The
restraining element may comprise a plug, a threaded plug, a
deformation in the pin sleeve 1532, a plurality of ledges extending
radially into the pin sleeve 1532, a disc insertable in a slot in
the pin sleeve 1532, and the like. The omission of the restraining
element, for example using a spring coupled to (e.g., adhered to,
welded to, under a tab of, etc.) the first end 1542 of the pin
sleeve 1540 and coupled to (e.g., adhered to, welded to, under a
tab of, etc.) the retaining element 1530 and pulling the retaining
element 1530 towards the axle bore 1516, would not depart from the
invention disclosed herein.
[0217] FIG. 13E is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of
an example embodiment of a wheel assembly 1508 comprising a
retaining element 1538a including a plug. After the release
mechanism 1550, the retaining element 1530, and the biasing element
1540 are at least partially within the pin sleeve 1532, the second
end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532 may be at least partially occluded
with a plug 1538a or other occluding object. In some embodiments,
the plug 1538a may be adhered (e.g., welded (e.g., ultrasonically
welded), glued, pressure fit, combinations thereof, and the like)
in the pin sleeve 1532. In some embodiments, the plug 1538a may
comprise threading configured to mate with corresponding threading
in the pin sleeve 1532, or to act as a screw (cutting into the pin
sleeve 1532). In some embodiments, the plug 1538a may comprise
plastic, metal, wood, rubber, combinations thereof, etc.
[0218] FIG. 13Fi is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion
of another example embodiment of a wheel assembly 1512 comprising a
restraining element 1538b including a deformation or an indentation
in the pin sleeve 1532 (e.g., proximate to the second end 1544 of
the pin sleeve 1532). After the release mechanism 1550, the
retaining element 1530, and the biasing element 1540 are at least
partially within the pin sleeve 1532, the second end 1544 of the
pin sleeve 1532 is deformed (e.g., heat deformed and/or pressure
deformed). The pressure used to create the deformations may be
applied in a downward fashion from the second end 1544 of the pin
sleeve 1532 towards the first end 1542, from a side of the pin
sleeve 1532, radially inward to the pin sleeve 1532, combinations
thereof, and the like. For example, certain features of the wheel
1502 may make certain types of occlusion more or less possible,
effective, and/or convenient. The deformation 1538b is configured
to prevent the retaining element 1530 from exiting the second end
1544 of the pin sleeve 1532 (e.g., by being narrower than the
biasing element 1540 such that the biasing element 1540 is
mechanically engaged therewith). The deformation 1538b may be all
around the pin sleeve 1532, in a single location, in a plurality of
locations, etc. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13Fi, the
restraining element 1538b comprises an annular deformation that
extends around the entire circumference or substantially the entire
circumference of the pin sleeve 1532. A circular or cylindrical
piston pushing down on the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532
may be used to create an annular deformation 1538b. In some
embodiments, an annular deformation 1538c may include protrusions
extending further into the pin sleeve 1532 (e.g., as illustrated in
the wheel assembly 1514 of FIG. 13Fii). A square or
pyramidal-headed piston pushing down on the second end 1544 of the
pin sleeve may be used to create an annular deformation 1538c with
protrusions.
[0219] FIG. 13G is a magnified cross-sectional view of yet another
example embodiment of a wheel assembly 1518 comprising a
restraining element 1538d including a plurality of legs. The
plurality of legs 1538d may be formed by deformation after forming
the pin sleeve 1532 (e.g., heat deformed and/or pressure deformed)
and/or during molding the pin sleeve 1532. In some embodiments, the
restraining element 1538d includes four legs that are spaced by
about 90.degree. around a circumference of the pin sleeve 1532
(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13G, showing two of the four legs).
FIG. 13G also illustrates how the legs 1538d may be formed by
shifting material radially inwardly and away from the sides of the
pin sleeve 1532.
[0220] In some embodiments in which the restraining element (e.g.,
the restraining element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d) includes a
deformation, the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532 may
comprise features prior to the deformation to reduce stress after
deformation. For example, the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve
1532 may include additional material in some loci (e.g., being
outwardly flared such that upon deformation the flared material is
substantially straightened) and/or the second end 1544 of the pin
sleeve 1532 may include less material in some loci (cut-outs to
reduce compression stresses after deformation). Other devices and
methods for occluding the pin sleeve 1532 are also possible (e.g.,
a disc inserted through a slot (e.g., the orifice 1527, a slot
proximate to the second end 1544 of the pin sleeve 1532) in the pin
sleeve 1532).
[0221] In certain embodiments, the retaining element 1530 and the
biasing element 1540 are in a cartridge that can be disposed in the
pin sleeve 1532. The addition of layers such as a cartridge body
would not depart from the invention disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 1540 within the pin sleeve 1532 is
in a relaxed position (e.g., the biasing element 1540 only applies
force to the retaining element 1530 and the restraining element
(e.g., the restraining element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d) upon
being compressed). In certain embodiments, the biasing element 1540
within the pin sleeve 1532 is in a compressed state such that the
biasing element 1540 applies force to the retaining element 1530
and the restraining element (e.g., the restraining element 1538a,
1538b, 1538c, 1538d) regardless of the position of the retaining
element 1530. The restraining element (e.g., the restraining
element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d) is stationary, but the
retaining element 1530 can move longitudinally within the pin
sleeve 1532 and compress the biasing element 1540.
[0222] In some embodiments, two or more of the internal elements of
the wheel assembly 1500 may be integrated. For example, the
retaining element 1530 and the biasing element 1540 may comprise a
single piece of plastic or metal or two pieces of plastic or metal
that are coupled (e.g., welded, adhered, mechanically connected).
For another example, the biasing element 1540 and the restraining
element (e.g., the restraining element 1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d)
may comprise a single piece of plastic or metal or two pieces of
plastic or metal that are coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). For yet
another example, the retaining element 1530, the biasing element
1540, and the restraining element (e.g., the restraining element
1538a, 1538b, 1538c, 1538d) may comprise a single piece of plastic
or metal, or multiple pieces of plastic or metal that are coupled
(e.g., welded, adhered). For still another example, the retaining
element 1530 and the hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550 may
comprise a single piece of plastic or metal or two pieces of
plastic or metal that are coupled (e.g., welded, adhered). For
still yet another example, the retaining element 1530, the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism 1550, and the biasing element
1540 may comprise a single piece of plastic or metal, or multiple
pieces of plastic or metal that are coupled (e.g., welded,
adhered). Other combinations are also possible.
[0223] The components of the integrated wheel assembly 1500, 1508,
1512, 1514, 1516 and their interaction may be the same as or
similar to the components of the wheel assemblies described above
and/or embodied in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2E; the hub assemblies described
herein and/or embodied in FIGS. 3A-3E, 4, 7A-11B, 11H-12B, and
12F-12H; the release mechanisms described above and/or embodied in
FIGS. 5A-5P, 11C-11D, and 12C-12E; the retainer housings described
above and embodied in FIGS. 11E-11F; the axle assemblies described
above and/or embodied in FIGS. 6A-6C; and/or the methods of
assembly described above and/or embodied in FIGS. 11Gi-11Giii.
Furthermore, each of the embodiments described in relation to the
wheel assembly 1500, 1508, 1512, 1514, 1518 may also be used for
the hub assemblies discussed herein.
[0224] Some removable wheel assemblies include a wheel fork or
other appendage that is separate from the wheel, and include a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism in the appendage. Such wheel
assemblies do not include, for example, a hub assembly including a
retaining element configured to operatively engage a groove in an
axle. Rather, the axle is integrated into the wheel assembly and is
engaged on each side by the wheel fork. Wheel forks are generally
used in applications in which frequent wheel rotation orthogonal to
the direction that the wheel spins may be desired (e.g., chairs,
shopping carts, baby strollers, etc.), but can add cost and
complexity. Some other removable wheel assemblies include an
integrated grooved axle (e.g., non-removably affixed at the center
of the wheel assembly) or other grooved protrusion, and include the
device to which the wheel assembly is attached includes a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism. Such wheel assemblies do not
include a hand-maneuverable release mechanism because it is the
device that includes the hand-maneuverable release mechanism. An
integrated axle may limit the number of devices with which a wheel
assembly is compatible, for example because the integrated axle
needs to properly fit into the particular device. The hub
assemblies and wheel assemblies described herein can reduce cost
and/or complexity by integrating a hand-maneuverable release
mechanism into the hub assembly, which for example includes a
retaining element configured to operatively engage a groove in a
non-integrated axle.
CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0225] 1. A hub assembly comprising: [0226] a retainer housing
including: [0227] an axle sleeve including an axle bore configured
to receive an axle; and [0228] a pin sleeve including a first end,
a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second
end, the first end in fluid communication with the axle bore;
[0229] a retaining element within the conduit of the pin sleeve,
the retaining element configured to operatively engage a groove in
an axle; [0230] a biasing element within the conduit of the pin
sleeve and configured to bias the retaining element towards the
axle bore; and [0231] a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore.
[0232] 2. The hub assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the release
mechanism is on a same side of the hub assembly as the axle
bore.
[0233] 3. The hub assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the release
mechanism is on an opposite side of the hub assembly from the axle
bore.
[0234] 4. The hub assembly of Embodiment 3, wherein the retainer
housing includes an end wall including a stop.
[0235] 5. The hub assembly of Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the
retainer housing includes a protrusion configured to interact with
a groove in the hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0236] 6. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 3-5, further
comprising a cover coupled to the retainer housing.
[0237] 7. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the
retainer housing includes an end wall including a plurality of
false release mechanisms.
[0238] 8. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the
release mechanism includes: [0239] a tab configured to be
manipulated by a hand of a user; and [0240] a lifter configured to
interact with the retaining element, the lifter connected to the
tab, wherein movement of the tab is configured to cause movement of
the lifter.
[0241] 9. The hub assembly of Embodiment 8, wherein the release
mechanism further comprises a connector coupled to the tab and
coupled to the lifter.
[0242] 10. The hub assembly of Embodiment 9, wherein the connector
is substantially orthogonal to the tab and to the lifter.
[0243] 11. The hub assembly of Embodiment 9, wherein the connector
is substantially non-orthogonal to the tab and to the lifter.
[0244] 12. The hub assembly of Embodiment 11, wherein the connector
is connected to at least one of the tab and the lifter at an obtuse
angle.
[0245] 13. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-12, wherein the
release mechanism further comprises a guide arm coupled to the
tab.
[0246] 14. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-13, wherein the
lifter is at least partially in an aperture in the retaining
element.
[0247] 15. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-13, wherein the
lifter includes an arcuate member at least partially surrounding
the retaining element.
[0248] 16. The hub assembly of Embodiment 15, wherein the arcuate
member totally surrounds the retaining element.
[0249] 17. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-13, wherein the
lifter includes a fork including a prong on at least one side of
the retaining element.
[0250] 18. The hub assembly of Embodiment 17, wherein the fork
includes prongs on two sides of the retaining element.
[0251] 19. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-18, wherein the
tab includes a weakened portion.
[0252] 20. The hub assembly of Embodiment 19, wherein the tab is
configured to bend along the weakened portion.
[0253] 21. The hub assembly of Embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the tab
is configured to break along the weakened portion.
[0254] 22. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-21, wherein the
lifter is substantially parallel to the axle bore.
[0255] 23. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-21, wherein the
lifter is substantially orthogonal to the axle bore.
[0256] 24. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-13, wherein the
lifter at least partially covers a portion of the retaining
element.
[0257] 25. The hub assembly of Embodiment 14, wherein the retaining
element comprises a lip and wherein the portion of the retaining
element comprises the lip.
[0258] 26. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-15, wherein the
lifter completely covers the retaining element.
[0259] 27. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 13-15, wherein
the tab is substantially orthogonal to the retaining element.
[0260] 28. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 13-15, wherein
the tab is substantially non-orthogonal to the retaining
element.
[0261] 29. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-17, wherein the
release mechanism further comprises an arm coupled to the tab.
[0262] 30. The hub assembly of Embodiment 29, wherein the release
mechanism further comprises a projection coupled to the tab.
[0263] 31. The hub assembly of Embodiment 30, wherein the
projection includes a groove configured to interact with a
projection extending from the retainer housing.
[0264] 32. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 29-31, wherein
the arm is on the opposite side of the retainer housing from the
axle bore.
[0265] 33. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 29-31, wherein
the arm is on the opposite side of the retainer housing from the
axle bore.
[0266] 34. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 8-31, wherein the
release mechanism is integrated with the retaining element in a
hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0267] 35. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the
release mechanism includes: [0268] a body; [0269] an arm extending
outwardly from the body; [0270] a ramped portion extending downward
from the body; and [0271] a lifter extending inwardly from the
body.
[0272] 36. The hub assembly of Embodiment 35, wherein the retainer
housing includes a lifting projection configured to interact with
the ramped portion.
[0273] 37. The hub assembly of Embodiment 36, wherein upon movement
of the arm, the ramped portion interacts with the lifting
projection to translate the movement of the arm into longitudinal
movement of the lifter away from the axle bore.
[0274] 38. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-37, wherein the
release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element
upon manipulation of a tab away from the axle bore.
[0275] 39. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-38, wherein the
release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element
upon manipulation of a tab towards the axle bore.
[0276] 40. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-39, wherein the
release mechanism comprises metal.
[0277] 41. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-40, wherein the
release mechanism comprises plastic.
[0278] 42. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-41, wherein the
release mechanism comprises buttressing features.
[0279] 43. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-42, wherein the
retainer housing includes a bearing surface configured to increase
leverage between the release mechanism and the retaining
element.
[0280] 44. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-43, wherein the
retainer housing includes a tool passageway.
[0281] 45. The hub assembly of Embodiment 44, wherein the retainer
housing includes a tamper-evident membrane covering the tool
passageway.
[0282] 46. The hub assembly of Embodiment 44 or 45, wherein the
tool passageway is on an opposite side of the hub assembly from the
release mechanism.
[0283] 47. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-46, wherein the
retaining element includes a lip configured to interact with the
release mechanism.
[0284] 48. The hub assembly of Embodiment 47, wherein the first end
of the pin sleeve includes a shoulder extending into the conduit
and wherein the lip is wider than the shoulder.
[0285] 49. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-48, further
comprising a restraining element configured to inhibit at least one
of the retaining element and the biasing element from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve.
[0286] 50. The hub assembly of Embodiment 49, wherein the
restraining element includes a tail configured to at least
partially occlude a channel in the pin sleeve.
[0287] 51. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-50, wherein the
retainer housing includes a spacer configured to space the hub
assembly from a cart body.
[0288] 52. The hub assembly of Embodiment 51, wherein the spacer
comprises a guiderail.
[0289] 53. The hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-52, wherein the
axle sleeve comprises a guiderail.
[0290] 54. A hub assembly comprising: [0291] a retaining element
configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle; [0292] a
hand-maneuverable release mechanism configured to displace the
retaining element away from the groove in an axle; and [0293] a
tool passageway configured to permit tooled access to the retaining
element.
[0294] 55. A conveyance comprising the hub assembly of any of
Embodiments 1-54.
[0295] 56. A wheel assembly comprising: [0296] a wheel; and [0297]
the hub assembly of any of Embodiments 1-54 inserted in the
wheel.
[0298] 57. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 56, wherein the release
mechanism is at least partially obscured by the wheel.
[0299] 58. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 56 or 57, wherein the
biasing element abuts a portion of the wheel.
[0300] 59. A conveyance comprising the wheel assembly of any of
Embodiments 56-58.
[0301] 60. The conveyance of Embodiment 59, wherein the release
mechanism is modifiable to inhibit manipulation upon coupling to
the conveyance.
[0302] 61. An axle assembly comprising: [0303] an axle; [0304] the
wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 56-58 coupled to the axle;
[0305] a second wheel assembly coupled to the axle, the second
wheel assembly comprising: [0306] a wheel; and [0307] a hub
assembly including: [0308] a retainer housing including: [0309] an
axle sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an axle;
and [0310] a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end, the first end in
fluid communication with the axle bore; [0311] a retaining element
within the conduit of the pin sleeve, the retaining element
configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle; and [0312] a
biasing element within the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured
to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore.
[0313] 62. The axle assembly of Embodiment 61, wherein the retainer
housing of the second wheel assembly includes a tool
passageway.
[0314] 63. A conveyance comprising the axle assembly of Embodiment
61 or 62.
[0315] 64. The conveyance of any of Embodiments 59, 60, and 63,
wherein the conveyance is a refuse cart.
[0316] 65. A method of manufacturing a hub assembly, the method
comprising: [0317] providing a retainer housing including: [0318]
an axle sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an
axle; and [0319] a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end,
and a conduit between the first end and the second end, the first
end in fluid communication with the axle bore, the first end
including a shoulder extending into the conduit; [0320] at least
partially inserting a hand-maneuverable release mechanism in the
pin sleeve; [0321] positioning a retaining member in the pin
sleeve, the retaining element configured to secure a wheel on an
axle by operatively engaging a groove in the axle; and [0322]
positioning a biasing element in the pin sleeve, the biasing
element configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle
bore.
[0323] 66. The method of Embodiment 65, wherein at least partially
inserting the release mechanism in the pin sleeve comprises sliding
a portion of the release mechanism along a channel in the pin
sleeve.
[0324] 67. The method of Embodiment 65, wherein at least partially
inserting the release mechanism in the pin sleeve comprises: [0325]
inserting a portion of the release mechanism in channel in the pin
sleeve; and [0326] rotating the release mechanism.
[0327] 68. The method of any of Embodiments 65-67, wherein
positioning the retaining member in the pin sleeve is after at
least partially inserting the release mechanism in the pin
sleeve.
[0328] 69. The method of any of Embodiments 65-68, further
comprising forming the retainer housing.
[0329] 70. The method of any of Embodiments 65-69, further
comprising occluding the second end of the pin sleeve.
[0330] 71. The method of any of Embodiments 65-70, further
comprising coupling the hub assembly to a wheel to form a wheel
assembly.
[0331] 72. The method of Embodiment 71, further comprising forming
the wheel.
[0332] 73. The method of any of Embodiments 65-72, further
comprising coupling the wheel assembly to a conveyance.
[0333] 74. The method of any of Embodiments 65-72, further
comprising coupling the wheel assembly to an axle.
[0334] 75. The method of Embodiment 74, further comprising coupling
a second wheel assembly to the axle.
[0335] 76. The method of Embodiment 74 or 75, further comprising
removing the wheel assembly from the axle.
[0336] 77. The method of Embodiment 76, further comprising
re-coupling the wheel assembly to the axle.
[0337] 78. A method of removing a hub assembly from an axle, the
method comprising: [0338] manually manipulating a tab of a release
mechanism to cause a retaining member to at least partially extend
out of an axle bore of a retainer housing.
[0339] 79. The method of Embodiment 78, wherein manipulating the
tab includes moving the tab radially outward.
[0340] 80. The method of Embodiment 78, wherein manipulating the
tab includes moving the tab radially inward.
[0341] 81. The method of Embodiment 78, wherein manipulating the
tab includes rotating the tab.
[0342] 82. The method of Embodiment 81, wherein rotating the tab is
in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axle bore.
[0343] 83. A wheel assembly comprising: [0344] a wheel including
[0345] an axle bore, and [0346] a pin sleeve including [0347] a
first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, [0348] a
second end, and [0349] a conduit between the first end and the
second end; [0350] a retaining member in the conduit and configured
to operatively engage a groove in an axle; [0351] a biasing element
in the conduit and configured to bias the retaining member towards
the axle bore; and [0352] a hand maneuverable release mechanism
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore.
[0353] 84. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 83, further comprising
a restraining element configured to inhibit the biasing element
from exiting the second end of the pin sleeve.
[0354] 85. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 84, wherein the
restraining element comprises a plug mechanically coupled to the
second end of the pin sleeve.
[0355] 86. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 84, wherein the
restraining element comprises a deformation in the pin sleeve.
[0356] 87. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 86, wherein the
deformation is proximate to the second end of the pin sleeve.
[0357] 88. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 86 or 87, wherein the
deformation extends substantially around a circumference of the pin
sleeve.
[0358] 89. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 86-88, wherein
the deformation comprises one or more protrusions extending into
the pin sleeve.
[0359] 90. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 86-89, wherein
the deformation comprises a single deformation.
[0360] 91. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 86-89, wherein
the deformation comprises a plurality of deformations.
[0361] 92. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 86-91, wherein
the deformation comprises a plurality of legs extending into the
conduit.
[0362] 93. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 92, wherein the
plurality of legs comprises four legs that are spaced by about
90.degree. around a circumference of the pin sleeve.
[0363] 94. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-93, wherein
the release mechanism is on a same side of the wheel assembly as
the axle bore.
[0364] 95. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 83-93, wherein the
release mechanism is on an opposite side of the wheel assembly from
the axle bore.
[0365] 96. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-95, wherein
the release mechanism includes: [0366] a tab configured to be
manipulated by a hand of a user; and [0367] a lifter configured to
interact with the retaining element, the lifter connected to the
tab, wherein movement of the tab is configured to cause movement of
the lifter.
[0368] 97. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 96, wherein the release
mechanism further comprises a connector coupled to the tab and
coupled to the lifter.
[0369] 98. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 97, wherein the
connector is substantially orthogonal to the tab and to the
lifter.
[0370] 99. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 97, wherein the
connector is substantially non-orthogonal to the tab and to the
lifter.
[0371] 100. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 99, wherein the
connector is connected to at least one of the tab and the lifter at
an obtuse angle.
[0372] 101. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-100,
wherein the release mechanism further comprises a guide arm coupled
to the tab.
[0373] 102. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-100,
wherein the lifter is at least partially in an aperture in the
retaining element.
[0374] 103. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-100,
wherein the lifter includes an arcuate member at least partially
surrounding the retaining element.
[0375] 104. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 103, wherein the
arcuate member totally surrounds the retaining element.
[0376] 105. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-100,
wherein the lifter includes a fork including a prong on at least
one side of the retaining element.
[0377] 106. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 105, wherein the fork
includes prongs on two sides of the retaining element.
[0378] 107. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-106,
wherein the tab includes a weakened portion.
[0379] 108. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 107, wherein the tab
is configured to bend along the weakened portion.
[0380] 109. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 107 or 108, wherein
the tab is configured to break along the weakened portion.
[0381] 110. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-109,
wherein the lifter is substantially parallel to the axle bore.
[0382] 111. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-109,
wherein the lifter is substantially orthogonal to the axle
bore.
[0383] 112. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-111,
wherein the lifter at least partially covers a portion of the
retaining element.
[0384] 113. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 112, wherein the
retaining element comprises a lip and wherein the portion of the
retaining element comprises the lip.
[0385] 114. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-113,
wherein the lifter completely covers the retaining element.
[0386] 115. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-114,
wherein the tab is substantially orthogonal to the retaining
element.
[0387] 116. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-114,
wherein the tab is substantially non-orthogonal to the retaining
element.
[0388] 117. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-116,
wherein the release mechanism further comprises an arm coupled to
the tab.
[0389] 118. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 117, wherein the
release mechanism further comprises a projection coupled to the
tab.
[0390] 119. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 118, wherein the
projection includes a groove configured to interact with a
projection extending from the wheel.
[0391] 120. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 117-119,
wherein the arm is on the opposite side of the wheel from the axle
bore.
[0392] 121. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 117-119,
wherein the arm is on the opposite side of the wheel from the axle
bore.
[0393] 122. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 96-121,
wherein the release mechanism is integrated with the retaining
element in a hand-maneuverable retaining element.
[0394] 123. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-95, wherein
the release mechanism includes: [0395] a body; [0396] an arm
extending outwardly from the body; [0397] a ramped portion
extending downward from the body; and [0398] a lifter extending
inwardly from the body.
[0399] 124. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 123, wherein the
retainer housing includes a lifting projection configured to
interact with the ramped portion.
[0400] 125. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 124, wherein upon
movement of the arm, the ramped portion interacts with the lifting
projection to translate the movement of the arm into longitudinal
movement of the lifter away from the axle bore.
[0401] 126. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-125,
wherein the release mechanism is configured to displace the
retaining element upon manipulation of a tab away from the axle
bore.
[0402] 127. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-125,
wherein the release mechanism is configured to displace the
retaining element upon manipulation of a tab towards the axle
bore.
[0403] 128. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-127,
wherein the release mechanism comprises metal.
[0404] 129. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-128,
wherein the release mechanism comprises plastic.
[0405] 130. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-129,
wherein the release mechanism comprises buttressing features.
[0406] 131. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-130,
wherein the retainer housing includes a bearing surface configured
to increase leverage between the release mechanism and the
retaining element.
[0407] 132. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-131,
wherein the retainer housing includes a tool passageway.
[0408] 133. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 132, wherein the
retainer housing includes a tamper-evident membrane covering the
tool passageway.
[0409] 134. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 132 or 133, wherein
the tool passageway is on an opposite side of the wheel assembly
from the release mechanism.
[0410] 135. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-134,
wherein the retaining element includes a lip configured to interact
with the release mechanism.
[0411] 136. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 135, wherein the first
end of the pin sleeve includes a shoulder extending into the
conduit and wherein the lip is wider than the shoulder.
[0412] 137. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-136,
wherein the wheel includes a spacer configured to space the wheel
assembly from a cart body.
[0413] 138. The wheel assembly of Embodiment 137, wherein the
spacer comprises a guiderail.
[0414] 139. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-138,
wherein the axle sleeve comprises a guiderail.
[0415] 140. The wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-139,
wherein the release mechanism is at least partially obscured by the
wheel.
[0416] 141. A conveyance comprising the wheel assembly of any of
Embodiments 83-140.
[0417] 142. The conveyance of Embodiment 141, wherein the release
mechanism is modifiable to inhibit manipulation upon coupling to
the conveyance.
[0418] 143. An axle assembly comprising: [0419] an axle; [0420] the
wheel assembly of any of Embodiments 83-140 coupled to the axle;
[0421] a second wheel assembly coupled to the axle, the second
wheel assembly comprising: [0422] a wheel including [0423] an axle
bore, and [0424] a pin sleeve including [0425] a first end in fluid
communication with the axle bore, [0426] a second end, and [0427] a
conduit between the first end and the second end; [0428] a
retaining member in the conduit and configured to operatively
engage [0429] a groove in an axle; [0430] a biasing element in the
conduit and configured to bias the retaining member towards the
axle bore; and [0431] a hand maneuverable release mechanism
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore.
[0432] 144. The axle assembly of Embodiment 143, wherein the
retainer housing of the second wheel assembly includes a tool
passageway.
[0433] 145. A conveyance comprising the axle assembly of Embodiment
143 or 144.
[0434] 146. The conveyance of any of Embodiments 141, 142, and 145,
wherein the conveyance is a refuse cart.
[0435] 147. A method of making a wheel assembly, the method
comprising: [0436] deforming a pin sleeve of a wheel, the wheel
assembly including, in the pin sleeve, a retaining element, a
biasing element, and a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore, the wheel including an axle bore in fluid communication with
another end of the pin sleeve and a conduit extending between the
end and the another end, wherein after deforming the pin sleeve the
biasing element is inhibited from exiting the end of the pin
sleeve.
[0437] 148. The method of Embodiment 147, further comprising
inserting a portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism in
the pin sleeve through an orifice in the pin sleeve prior to
deforming the end of the pin sleeve.
[0438] 149. The method of Embodiment 147, further comprising
inserting a portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism in
the pin sleeve, wherein inserting the portion comprises: [0439]
inserting the portion of the hand-maneuverable release mechanism
through a channel in the pin sleeve; and [0440] rotating the
hand-maneuverable release mechanism.
[0441] 150. The method of any of Embodiments 147-149, wherein
deforming the pin sleeve comprises forming a deformation proximate
to the end of the pin sleeve.
[0442] 151. The method of any of Embodiments 147-149, wherein
deforming the pin sleeve comprises deforming substantially around a
circumference of the pin sleeve.
[0443] 152. The method of any of Embodiments 147-151, wherein
deforming the pin sleeve comprises forming one or more protrusions
extending into the pin sleeve.
[0444] 153. The method of any of Embodiments 147-151, wherein
deforming the pin sleeve comprises forming a plurality of legs
extending into the conduit.
[0445] 154. The method of Embodiment 153, wherein forming the
plurality of legs comprises spacing the legs by about 90.degree.
around a circumference of the pin sleeve.
[0446] 155. The method of any of Embodiments 147-154, further
comprising forming the wheel.
[0447] 156. The method of any of Embodiments 147-155, further
comprising coupling the wheel assembly to a conveyance.
[0448] 157. The method of any of Embodiments 147-156, further
comprising coupling the wheel assembly to an axle.
[0449] 158. The method of Embodiment 157, further comprising
coupling a second wheel assembly to the axle.
[0450] 159. The method of Embodiment 157 or 158, further comprising
removing the wheel assembly from the axle.
[0451] 160. The method of Embodiment 159, further comprising
re-coupling the wheel assembly to the axle.
[0452] 161. A method of removing a wheel assembly from an axle, the
method comprising: [0453] manually manipulating a tab of a release
mechanism to cause a retaining member to at least partially extend
out of an axle bore of a wheel.
[0454] 162. The method of Embodiment 161, wherein manipulating the
tab includes moving the tab radially outward.
[0455] 163. The method of Embodiment 161, wherein manipulating the
tab includes moving the tab radially inward.
[0456] 164. The method of Embodiment 161, wherein manipulating the
tab includes rotating the tab.
[0457] 165. The method of Embodiment 165, wherein rotating the tab
is in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axle bore.
[0458] 166. A method of making a wheel assembly, the method
comprising: [0459] occluding a pin sleeve of a wheel, the wheel
assembly including, in the pin sleeve, a retaining element, a
biasing element, and a hand-maneuverable release mechanism
configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle
bore, the wheel including an axle bore in fluid communication with
another end of the pin sleeve and a conduit extending between the
end and the another end, wherein after occluding the pin sleeve the
biasing element is inhibited from exiting the end of the pin
sleeve.
[0460] 167. The method claim of Embodiment 166, wherein occluding
the pin sleeve comprises deforming the pin sleeve.
[0461] 168. The method claim of Embodiment 166, wherein occluding
the pin sleeve comprises mechanically coupling a plug to the end of
the pin sleeve.
[0462] 169. A method of making a wheel assembly comprising: [0463]
forming a wheel comprising an axle bore and a pin sleeve, wherein
the pin sleeve includes a first end in fluid communication with the
axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and
the second end; [0464] inserting a portion of a hand maneuverable
release mechanism into the pin sleeve; [0465] inserting a retaining
element into the pin sleeve; and [0466] inserting a biasing element
into the pin sleeve.
[0467] 170. The method of Embodiment 169, further comprising
occluding the second end of the pin sleeve to inhibit the biasing
element from exiting the second end of the pin sleeve.
[0468] 171. The method of Embodiment 169, wherein the occluding
comprises deforming the pin sleeve.
[0469] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and
equivalents thereof. For example, while disclosed herein primarily
in the context of attaching hub assemblies, wheel assemblies, and
wheels to grooved axles, the pin-and-spring and hand-maneuverable
release mechanisms may be suitable for fastening other sets of
components together (e.g., modular plastic and/or metal components
such as the top any bottom halves of plastic pallets, base and
walls of a portable toilet, toy parts, etc.). In addition, while
several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are
within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to
those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also
contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the
specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and
still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be
understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed
embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another
in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed
invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention
herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular
embodiments described above.
* * * * *