WHEEL FOR TROLLEY POWERED BY BEING HUMAN AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD

专利摘要:
human-powered cart wheels, kit parts and methods of manufacturing a shopping cart wheel and assembling wheel-to-wheel assemblies for a non-motorized vehicle (eg, a shopping cart) may include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. the housing assembly can be configured to sealantly house electronics or other components. the tread assembly may detachably mate with the housing assembly, so that electronic components or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or removed from conjunction with the housing set.
公开号:BR112015016687B1
申请号:R112015016687-3
申请日:2014-02-25
公开日:2021-06-22
发明作者:John C. Mckay
申请人:Gatekeeper Systems, Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF ANY PRIORITY REQUESTS
[001] All orders for which a Claim of foreign or domestic priority is identified in the Order Data Sheet as filed with this Order are hereby incorporated by reference.
[002] This Application claims the benefit of priority from Provisional Application US 61/773,534, filed March 6, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Field
[003] The present disclosure refers to replaceable treads for wheels and wheels that have replaceable treads, which can be used with non-motorized vehicles. Description of Related Art
[004] Vehicles with non-motorized wheels, such as carts propelled by human beings (eg, shopping carts), may include two or more wheels. Vehicle wheels wear out as a result of wear or damage. For example, prolonged use of a wheel can cause a wheel tread to become worn out. Consequently, a wheel may need to be replaced. SUMMARY
[005] Various modalities are directed to wheels and wheel treads for non-motorized vehicles (eg, carts propelled by human beings). Replacing vehicle wheels can incur substantial expense, particularly in implementations where a vehicle wheel includes expensive electronic components (for example, electronic theft prevention components on a shopping cart wheel). Consequently, in certain embodiments, instead of replacing an entire wheel, the tread of one wheel can be replaced. In certain such embodiments, the tread can be configured to be axially removed and installed over the wheel.
[006] Certain wheels require the complete, or substantially complete, removal and/or disassembly of a wheel from the wheeled vehicle in order to replace the wheel treads. In addition, some wheels may require disassembly of a sealed portion of a wheel in order to replace the tread. For example, some arrangements may require opening a chamber (eg in a central part of the wheel) in order to replace the tread. However, in certain cases, it may be desirable to avoid disassembling certain parts of a wheel to replace the tread. For example, it may be beneficial to avoid opening a sealed chamber containing electrical components arranged in the wheel.
[007] In some embodiments, a wheel assembly (also called a "wheel" herein) includes a rebuildable tread assembly, which is capable of being installed and affixed to a non-refurbishable housing assembly; when used herein, the term “refurbishable” has its common meaning and includes, without limitation, the feature of being intended to be replaced during the course of use of the item. When used herein, the term “non-refurbishable” has its common meaning and includes, without limitation, the feature of not being intended to be replaced during the intended course of use of the item. For example, certain components of a wheel may be sealed (eg to inhibit contamination) and may not be serviceable. Unrebuildable also includes situations where a component is not intended to be serviced by an end user, but can be serviced by a factory-authorized technician or manufacturer. In certain cases, a wheel set is configured for use on a non-motorized vehicle. For example, a wheel assembly can be configured for use on a shopping cart locking wheel. In some embodiments, the tread assembly is affixed to the housing assembly with one or more fasteners (such as screws, pins, nails, or otherwise) and/or locking features. In certain configurations, the fastening devices and/or locking features are arranged around the circumference of the tread assembly and/or the housing assembly.
[008] Various modalities include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, the tread assembly includes a tread and a frame (e.g., bracket, backbone, truss, skeleton, spine, or other structural part). In certain cases, a frame provides support and/or reinforcement for the tread. For example, in certain variants, a frame can be positioned radially within the tread and can be configured to withstand force (e.g. compressive force) that is applied to the tread. In some implementations, a frame is configured with the shape of the tread (for example, a generally cylindrical shape). In certain embodiments, the tread assembly couples with the housing assembly, which may include a hub and a cover. In some embodiments, installation of the tread assembly is facilitated by the hub structure and cover components. For example, the hub and cover components can be configured to allow the tread assembly to slide over the hub.
[009] A wheel assembly may have any one or any combination of the following characteristics. In certain embodiments, the tread assembly is held in position over the housing assembly by one or more fasteners and/or locking features. In some cases, the fastening devices and/or locking features are integral with the tread assembly and/or the housing assembly. In certain embodiments, the fasteners and/or locking features are axially arranged around inner and/or outer surfaces of the tread assembly and correspond to the fit features. Similarly arranged around the outer circumferential surfaces of a wheel assembly (eg, the hub). When used herein, the term "axial" or derivatives thereof, has its common meaning and refers to, without limitation, a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a plane in which a wheel rotates. The axial direction can be substantially parallel to or substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of a wheel (for example, within ten to twenty degrees of the axis of rotation). In some cases, the tread assembly is held over the housing assembly by one or more fasteners.
[0010] Certain embodiments include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, the tread assembly is configured to be removed from the housing assembly. In certain such cases, the tread assembly can be removed without the need to disassemble the housing assembly (eg separation of hub and cover). This configuration can, for example, facilitate an easy replacement of the tread assembly (eg, due to wear or damage), while the integrity of the housing assembly is preserved. For example, a tread assembly that can be replaced without the need to open the housing assembly can maintain effective seals in housing assembly arrangements that include such seals to protect the positioned components (e.g., electronics) inside the housing set. In certain cases, removal of the worn or damaged tread is accomplished by removing or disengaging the fasteners and/or locking features, which secure the tread to the housing assembly. In some cases, removal also includes sliding the tread axially out of the outer geometry of the mating wheel hub. A new tread assembly can be installed by reversing this procedure.
[0011] A wheel for a human-powered cart may comprise a housing assembly having a hub and a cover. The hub may have an internal cavity and may comprise a frame engaging surface having a first fit feature, the internal cavity configured to receive an electrical component and the cover configured to be sealed with the hub, thus inhibiting access to the interior of the internal cavity. In some embodiments, a wheel includes a tread assembly configured to axially receive a portion of the housing assembly, the tread assembly comprising a frame and a tread assembly. A frame may have a tread engagement surface and a hub engagement surface, the hub engagement surface having a second adjustment feature and being configured to releasably engage with a hub frame engagement surface. The tread can be disposed radially outside the frame and can be configured to engage a surface on which the wheel is configured to roll. A wheel may include a fastener configured to engage the first adjustment feature and the second adjustment feature. According to a variant, the tread assembly is configured to detachably couple with the housing assembly so that the tread assembly can be axially separated from the housing assembly without removing the cover seal and hub, thus facilitating repair or replacement of the tread assembly, while maintaining the bonnet seal and hub. In some embodiments, when the hub engagement surface of the frame is coupled to the hub frame engagement surface, the first adjustment feature and the second adjustment feature are circumferentially aligned so that the fastener can axially engage the first feature of adjustment and the second adjustment characteristic.
[0012] A wheel may include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, at least one of the first adjustment feature and the second adjustment feature comprises a radially outwardly extending flange. The tread assembly may include a frame alignment feature, comprising a first tread recess configured to receive the first adjustment feature. The housing assembly may include a hub alignment feature, comprising a first housing recess configured to receive the second adjustment feature. In some embodiments, a wheel is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, and the hub is configured to be rotated relative to a frame about the axis of rotation of the wheel. A frame alignment feature may include a second tread recess, oriented substantially perpendicular to and extending generally circumferentially from the first tread recess, the second tread recess being configured to receive the first feature. of adjustment when the hub is rotated relative to a frame. A frame alignment feature may include a third tread recess, extending in a direction generally axially away from the second adjustment feature, the third tread recess configured to receive the first adjustment feature when the hub is rotated relative to a frame so that the first adjustment feature is generally aligned with the third tread recess. In some embodiments, the hub alignment feature includes a second housing recess, generally perpendicular and generally tangentially extending from the first housing recess, the second housing recess configured to receive the second adjustment feature when the cube is rotated relative to a frame. The hub alignment feature includes a third housing recess extending in a direction generally axially away from the first adjustment feature, the third housing recess configured to receive the second adjustment feature when the hub is rotated. with respect to a frame, so that the second fit feature is generally aligned with the third housing recess.
[0013] Certain embodiments include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, the tread assembly comprises a first axis of rotation and the housing assembly comprises a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation and second axis of rotation being generally collinear when the housing assembly and the assembly of tread are coupled. The tread may have a tread width, the first adjustment feature and the second adjustment feature may each have an axial width that is less than the tread width, and the sum of the axial widths of the first adjustment characteristic and the second adjustment characteristic can be approximately equal to the tread width. In some modes, the human-powered cart is a shopping cart.
[0014] A method of assembling a shopping cart wheel may comprise forming a housing assembly. Forming the housing assembly may include providing a hub having a central cavity, the hub comprising a first fit feature axially joining a cover to the hub, the cover configured to form a seal between the cover and the hub, inhibiting, thus, accessing contaminants to the interior of the cavity, forming a tread assembly, wherein forming the tread assembly comprises providing an annular frame, comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the surface outer surface each comprising recesses, the inner surface further comprising a second fit feature, arranging a tread band around at least the outer surface of the frame, and engaging the tread band with recesses in the inner surface and surface external part of the frame, thus securing a tread with a frame. In some embodiments, the method of mounting a shopping cart wheel includes aligning the first hub adjustment feature with the second frame adjustment feature, receiving the housing assembly within the tread assembly, and securing the assembly. of accommodation with the tread assembly.
[0015] Various modalities have any one or any combination of the following characteristics. In some embodiments, securing the housing assembly with the tread assembly comprises positioning the first adjustment feature in a first recess in the frame, wherein the first adjustment feature comprises a radially outwardly extending flange, positioning the second fit feature in a second recess of the hub, wherein the second fit feature comprises a radially inwardly extending flange and axially inserts a fastener through the first fit feature and the second fit feature. In some embodiments, the method of mounting a shopping cart wheel further comprises rotating the housing assembly and the tread assembly with respect to one another after the housing assembly has been received within the tread assembly. . The method of mounting a shopping cart wheel may further comprise axially spacing the first adjustment feature from the second adjustment feature.
[0016] A method of repairing a wheel of a shopping cart, the wheel comprising a housing assembly and a tread assembly coupled with a plurality of fasteners generally positioned around an outer circumferential region of the wheel, the housing assembly coupled with the shopping cart via a castor assembly, the housing assembly comprising a central sealed chamber, which includes an electrical component, may comprise removing a wheel from the caster assembly. In some embodiments, the method of repairing a wheel on a shopping cart includes loosening the fasteners so that the housing assembly and tread assembly can be separated, separating the tread axially from the housing assembly without opening the center sealed chamber of the housing assembly, align first flanges of a replacement tread assembly with first recesses of the housing assembly, align second recesses of the replacement tread assembly with second flanges of the housing assembly, axially slide the replacement tread assembly over the housing assembly, secure the fasteners so that the fasteners engage the replacement tread assembly and the housing assembly, and engage the housing with the caster assembly.
[0017] The method may include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, loosening the fasteners comprises turning the fasteners. The method of repairing a wheel of a shopping cart may further comprise rotating the tread assembly with respect to the housing assembly after the replacement tread assembly has been axially slid over the housing assembly. In some embodiments, the method of repairing a wheel of a shopping cart further comprises radially engaging the first flanges of a replacement tread assembly with the first recesses of the housing assembly, and radially engaging the second recesses of the housing assembly. replacement of the tread with the second flanges of the housing assembly, thus providing areas of radial interference between the housing assembly and the tread assembly.
[0018] In some embodiments, a wheel for a human-powered cart includes a hub and a tread assembly. The hub may have a frame engagement surface that has a first fit feature, such as a radially outwardly extending flange. In some embodiments, the flange has a radially distal portion and a radially proximal portion. The radially distal portion may have a first circumferential width and the radially proximal portion may have a second circumferential width. In some variant, the first circumferential width is greater than the second circumferential width. In other variants, the first circumferential width is less than the second circumferential width.
[0019] A wheel may include any one or any combination of the following features. The tread assembly can be configured to axially receive a portion of the hub. In some implementations, the tread assembly has a frame and a tread. A frame may include a tread engagement surface and a hub engagement surface. The hub engagement surface may have a second adjustment feature. The second fit feature may include portions (e.g., recesses) shaped to match the flange of the first fit feature. The second adjustment feature can be configured to releasably engage with a hub frame engagement surface. The tread can be arranged radially outside the frame. The tread can be configured to engage a surface, on which the wheel is configured to roll.
[0020] Various modalities include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, when the hub engagement surface of the frame is coupled to the frame engagement surface of the hub, the first fit feature and the second fit feature are circumferentially aligned. For example, in certain such embodiments, a fastener may axially engage the first adjustment feature and the second adjustment feature.
[0021] In some embodiments, a wheel includes any one or any combination of the following features. Certain embodiments include a sealed internal cavity positioned in the hub with an electrical component positioned in the cavity. In some embodiments, the hub engagement surface of the frame further includes a radially inwardly extending flange, and/or the hub further includes a radially inwardly extending shoulder configured to receive the radially inwardly extending flange . In some embodiments, at least one of the radially outwardly extending flange of the hub and the radially inwardly extending flange of the frame has a substantially frustoconical cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, the radially outwardly extending flange of the hub and the radially inwardly extending flange each have a substantially frusto-conical cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the frame further comprises a radially extending spacing portion connecting a radially inwardly facing portion and a radially outwardly facing portion. The spacer portion may have an axial thickness in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the tread assembly. The axial thickness of the spacer portion may be less than an axial thickness of the radially outwardly facing portion of the frame and/or less than an axial thickness of the radially inwardly facing portion of the frame. Some modalities include a plurality of fasteners. Each of the plurality of fasteners can be configured to engage from a first axial side of the wheel. In various embodiments, the electrical component may comprise one or more of: a controller, a processor, a brake, a power source (eg, the battery), and a transceiver for wireless RF communication (eg, in a frequency of at least approximately 2.4 GHz, at least approximately 800 MHz, and/or less than or equal to approximately 900 MHz, or otherwise).
[0022] According to certain embodiments, a wheel for a human-powered cart includes a hub and a tread assembly. The cube may have an internal cavity. The internal cavity can be configured to receive an electrical component. The hub may include a frame engaging surface that has a first fit feature. The tread assembly can be configured to axially receive a portion of the hub. The tread assembly may have a generally circular shape and an axis of rotation.
[0023] The wheel may have any one or any combination of the following characteristics. The tread assembly may include an annular tread and a frame. The annular tread can be configured to engage a surface on which the wheel is configured to roll. A frame can be configured to engage with the annular tread. The frame may include a radially outward portion, a radially inward portion and/or a radially extending spacer portion. The radially outward part can be configured to be received in the annular tread. The radially inward part may have a hub-engaging surface. The hub engagement surface may have a second adjustment feature. The hub engagement surface can be configured to releasably mate with a hub frame engagement surface. The radially extending spacing part can connect the radially inward part and the radially outward part. The spacer portion may have an axial thickness in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the tread assembly. The axial thickness of the spacer portion may be less than an axial thickness of the radially outward portion of the frame and less than an axial thickness of the radially inward portion of the frame.
[0024] In various embodiments, a wheel includes any one or any combination of the following features. A frame may include one or more tread gripping features that are configured to inhibit axial movement of the frame relative to the hub. The one or more tread gripping features may include a locking flange. The locking flange may be adapted to engage a hub frame engagement feature when the hub is received in the tread assembly. This can inhibit movement of the hub relative to the frame in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the tread assembly. The one or more tread gripping features may include a deflectable portion, radially connected to the locking portion and to the portion radially inwardly of the frame. The radially deflectable portion may include a frangible region. The frangible region may include a notch. Some modalities include a plurality of fasteners. Each of the plurality of fasteners can be configured to engage from a first axial side of the wheel.
[0025] In some embodiments, a wheel replacement kit on a human-powered cart includes a first set of treads and a second annular set of treads. The first tread assembly may include a first frame having a first inner surface and a first tread. The first tread band may be engaged with, and positioned radially outside of, the first frame. The first tread may have a first outer surface. The second annular tread assembly may include a second frame, which has a second inner surface, second tread, and a spacer portion. The second tread band can be engaged and positioned radially outside the second frame. The second tread may have a second outer surface. The spacing portion may extend radially between the second inner surface and the second outer surface. The first inner surface of the first frame may have a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the second inner surface of the second frame. The first inner surface of the first frame and the second inner surface of the second frame may each be configured to receive and releasably engage with a common wheel hub assembly. The first outer surface of the first frame may have a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second outer surface of the second frame.
[0026] Some kit modalities include any one or any combination of the following features. In various embodiments, the kit includes a wheel hub assembly. In some embodiments, a wheel hub assembly includes an inner chamber. In certain embodiments, the kit includes an electronic component, positioned in the inner chamber. In some embodiments, the kit includes a cover that seals the electronic component from the outside environment. In certain embodiments, the seal remains intact (e.g., the cover is not unsealed) during releasable engagement of the first frame with a wheel hub assembly and/or during releasable engagement of the second frame with a wheel hub assembly . In some embodiments, the electronic component comprises a brake mechanism, controller (eg, processor and memory), transceiver, power supply (eg, battery) or otherwise. The transceiver may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio frequency (RF) signals, such as signals at a frequency of at least approximately 2.4 GHz, at or between approximately 800 MHz and approximately 900 MHz, or otherwise .
[0027] The kit may include any one or any combination of the following features. Under some embodiments, one method of manufacturing a shopping cart wheel includes obtaining a hub that has a central cavity. The hub may include a first fit feature having a radially distal portion and a radially proximal portion. The radially distal portion may be circumferentially larger than the radially proximal portion. Some variants of the method include obtaining a tread and an annular frame. A frame can include an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surface and the outer surface may include a plurality of engaging elements, such as recesses. The inner surface may have a second adjustment feature. Certain implementations of the method include securing the tread with a frame by arranging the tread around at least the outer surface of the frame and/or engaging the tread with the plurality of engagement elements (e.g., recesses) on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the frame. Some embodiments of the method include securing a frame with the hub by aligning the first adjustment feature of the hub with the second adjustment feature of the frame, and/or engaging the first adjustment feature of the hub with the second adjustment feature of the frame. In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a plurality of fasteners with the hub and annular frame from a first axial side of the wheel.
[0028] In some embodiments, a method of assembling wheel assemblies for a human-powered cart includes obtaining a first hub, which has an internal cavity configured to receive an electrical component. The method may also include obtaining a first set of tread.
[0029] The method may include any one or any combination of the following features. In some variant, obtaining a first tread assembly includes obtaining a first annular frame with one or more of: an inner radial portion having a first hub engagement surface, an outer radial portion having a tread engagement surface , and a spacing part. The spacer portion can be positioned radially between and connected to the radially inner part and the radially outer part of the first annular frame. The spacing part can have a radial thickness. In some variant, obtaining a first tread assembly includes engaging a first tread band around at least the outer surface of the first annular frame. The first tread band may have a first tread diameter. In certain implementations, the method includes receiving the first cube within the first tread set. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching the first hub to the first tread assembly.
[0030] Various modalities have any one or any combination of the following characteristics. Certain variants of the method include obtaining a second hub (for example, a second hub that has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the first hub) and obtaining a second tread assembly. In some embodiments, obtaining a second tread assembly includes obtaining a second annular frame having one or more of: an inner radial portion having a second hub engagement surface, an outer radial portion having a hub engagement surface. shooting, and a spacing part. The spacer portion may be positioned radially between and connected to the radially inner part and the radially outer part of the second annular frame. The spacer portion may have a radial thickness that is different from the radial thickness of the spacer portion of the first annular frame. In some embodiments, obtaining a second tread assembly includes engaging a second tread assembly around at least the outer surface of the second annular frame. The second tread may have a second tread diameter which is different from the first tread diameter. In some variant, the method includes receiving the second hub into the second set of treads. In certain embodiments, the method includes attaching the second hub to the second tread assembly.
[0031] Various modalities (for example, certain kit-of-parts modalities) include any one or any combination of the following features. In some embodiments, the first annular frame includes one or more tread gripping features. The one or more tread gripping features may have a deflection part and a locking part. The deflection part can be connected to the radially inner part of the first annular frame. The locking part can be connected to the deflection part. The locking portion may be adapted to interfere (e.g. present on a physical stop) with a frame-engaging feature of the hub when the hub is received within the first tread assembly. This can inhibit movement of the hub relative to the first annular frame in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the first tread assembly. In some embodiments, the method includes engaging the locking portion of one or more tread gripping features of the first annular with a hub frame engaging feature. Certain embodiments of the method include deflecting the locking portion of one or more tread gripping features away from the hub frame engagement feature. In some variant, the method includes breaking (e.g., non-plastically deforming) the deflection portion of one or more tread gripping features at a frangible point of the deflection portion when the locking portion of one or more tread features tread grip is deflected away from the hub frame engagement feature. In various embodiments, the deflection portion is partially or completely separated from the rest of the first annular frame. For example, the deflection part may protrude from the first annular frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Various modalities are represented in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the modalities. Various features of different modalities exhibited can be combined to form additional modalities that are part of this exhibit. More specifically, this disclosure contemplates and includes that any feature, structure, or step set forth herein may be replaced by, or combined with, any other feature, structure, or step set forth herein or omitted.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example wheel assembly for a trolley, including examples of a tread assembly and a housing assembly.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 1.
[0035] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 1.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the tread assembly of Figure 1, including a tread and a frame.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a part of a frame of Figure 3.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates another enlarged view of a part of a frame of Figure 3.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the housing assembly of Figure 1 including a hub and a cover.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the housing assembly of Figure 6.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of an embodiment of the Figure 6 hub.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of a part of an embodiment of the cover of Figure 6.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the wheel assembly of Figure 1, including the tread assembly of Figure 2 and the housing assembly of Figure 6.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates the wheel assembly of Figure 10 in a partially assembled state, with the tread assembly coupled with the housing assembly, and a plurality of fasteners in an exploded view.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates the wheel assembly of Figure 11 in an assembled state, with a caster and associated hardware, shown in an exploded view.
[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a tread assembly, including a frame and a tread.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates the tread assembly of Figure 13, in an assembled state.
[0048] FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of the wheel hub assembly.
[0049] FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the hub assembly of Figure 15.
[0050] FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of the tread assembly of Figure 14 and a wheel hub assembly of Figure 16.
[0051] FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged view of the projections and recesses of the frame of Figure 13.
[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of the projections and recesses of the wheel hub of Figure 15.
[0053] FIG. 20 illustrates an enlarged view of one of the projections of Figure 19 and one of the recesses of Figure 18, in a partially assembled state.
[0054] FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged view of the projections and recesses of Figure 20, in another partially assembled state.
[0055] FIG. 22 illustrates an enlarged view of the projections and recesses of the low friction material insert Figure 20, in an assembled state.
[0056] FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the wheel comprising a tread assembly and the housing assembly.
[0057] FIG. 24 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the tread assembly of Figure 23.
[0058] FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the housing assembly of Figure 23.
[0059] FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the housing assembly of Figure 23 engaged with fasteners.
[0060] FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the wheel comprising a tread assembly and the housing assembly.
[0061] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 27.
[0062] FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame and tread of the tread assembly of Figure 27.
[0063] FIG. 30 illustrates a front plan view of the tread assembly of Figure 27.
[0064] FIG. 31 illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 27.
[0065] FIG. 32 illustrates a partial enlarged front plan view of the tread assembly of Figure 27.
[0066] FIG. 33 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the wheel comprising a tread assembly and the housing assembly.
[0067] FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 33.
[0068] FIG. 35 illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the tread assembly of Figure 33.
[0069] FIG. 36 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame and tread of the tread assembly of Figure 33.
[0070] FIG. 37 illustrates a front plan view of the tread assembly of Figure 33.
[0071] FIG. 38 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the housing assembly of Figure 33.
[0072] FIG. 39 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the wheel of Figure 33. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] Non-motorized wheeled vehicles are used in a variety of environments, including retail environments (for example, shopping carts), manufacturing or storage environments (for example, freight or industrial carts), travel environments (by example, luggage or luggage carts at an airport or bus station), medical environments (for example, hospital carts, medical device carts, wheelchairs, baby carriages), and others. Non-motorized vehicles are typically propelled by one person, for example, a person pushing and pulling the vehicle. This exhibit describes examples of wheels, treads, and methods for mounting wheels or replacing treads, which can be used with vehicles with non-motorized wheels. Many of the examples described here are in the context of shopping cart wheels (also called shopping carts, grocery carts, electric carts, or otherwise); however, this is illustrative only and is not a limitation.
[0074] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, a wheel assembly may include a tread assembly 10 and a housing assembly 70. The tread assembly 10 may be configured to support or otherwise be received at least partially on the housing assembly 70. The tread assembly 10 may be configured to protect and/or space the housing assembly 10 from a surface on which a wheel assembly rolls. For example, tread assembly 10 can protect housing assembly 70 against abrasion due to surface contact.
[0075] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, one embodiment of a tread assembly 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, tread assembly 10 includes frame 20 and a tread band 60. In some embodiments, frame 20 is generally rigid. In some cases, frame 20 is made of metal (eg steel or aluminum) or a polymer (eg nylon). The frame 20 and/or the tread 60 may include a centerline of rotation. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 2, the centerline of rotation L of the frame 20 is collinear with the centerline of rotation of the tread 60 when the frame 20 is mated with the tread 60.
[0076] As shown in Figure 3, frame 20 can be configured to engage with tread 60. Frame 20 can have one or more undercut features 23. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, frame 20 can include undercut features 23, which are arranged in a radial pattern around an outer circumference of the frame 20. As will be discussed in more detail below, the undercut features 23 may engage with corresponding features of the tread, thereby securing the frame 20 and the tread 60.
[0077] In some variant, frame 20 includes a wear face hub engagement surface 28 positioned on the radially inner surface of frame 20. Frame 20 may include first adjustment features 22. In some embodiments, first fit features 22 are positioned on hub engagement surface 28. In certain variants, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, first fit features 22 may be one or more flanges extending radially inwardly 24. In some embodiments, first adjustment features 22 are configured to allow insertion of a corresponding number of fasteners, such as one fastener for each first adjustment feature 22. In the illustrated embodiment, first adjustment features 22 are generally equally spaced by one radial pattern around an inner periphery of frame 20. However, other configurations are contemplated and included in this exhibit. dog.
[0078] In some embodiments, frame 20 includes notches 25. In certain cases, notches 25 are arranged in a radial pattern around the inner circumference of frame 20. One or more of notches 25 may extend over axial width W ( for example, parallel to the centerline of rotation of the frame) width W of the hub engagement surface 28. In some embodiments, one or more of the notches 25 are positioned axially adjacent to the radially inwardly extending flange 24. In such embodiments , the first fit features 22 may comprise a radially inwardly extending flange 24 and a notch 25. The radially inwardly extending flange 24 and the corresponding notch 25 may each have an axial width that is less than the width. axial W of the hub engagement surface 28.
The tread 60 or parts thereof can be made, for the most part, of any material, such as rubber, plastic, wood, metal, or other material. For example, tread 60 may be a thermosetting material. The tread 60 may be molded over, injected, cast, welded or otherwise joined to the frame 20. In some cases, the tread band 60 is formed separately from the frame 20 and then coupled to the frame 20. In other cases, , tread band 60 is formed with frame 20. For example, frame 20 can be molded during substantially the same operation (e.g., injection molding operation) as tread band 60. In certain cases, tread band 60 tread 60 covers all of the outer surfaces of frame 20. In some embodiments, tread 60 is injection molded onto frame 20. In certain cases, tread 60 is secured with/to frame 20 by adhesion with the slot features 23.
[0080] In some implementations, the tread 60 engages with recesses 26 on the frame 20. For example, the tread band 60 may extend around a portion of the side wall of the frame 20 such that the tread 60 is positioned radially outside the frame 20 and a portion of the tread 60 is engaged with the shoulder 26. In certain variants, the tread band 60 wraps around a portion of the frame 20. In certain cases, the tread band 60 60 is joined to frame 20 with an adhesive (eg, glue or epoxy), thermal or sonic welding, or otherwise. For example, an adhesive can be applied to an outer surface of the frame 20 and/or an inner surface of the tread 60. In some embodiments, the outer surface (e.g., tread engagement surface) of the frame 20 and/or an inner surface (e.g., frame engagement surface) of the tread 60 may be textured (e.g., corrugated, ribbed, ribbed, or otherwise), which may facilitate the connection between the frame 20 and the tread 60.
[0081] The tread 60 may include a traction surface 62 configured to engage with a floor or other surface when the non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) is moved. The traction surface 62 may be constructed of the same material as the tread 60 or of a different material. In some embodiments, traction surface 62 includes friction features (e.g., channels, projections, etc.) configured to facilitate gripping between traction surface 62 and the floor on which it is resting.
[0082] With reference to Figures 6 to 9, one embodiment of a housing assembly 70 is illustrated. As shown, housing assembly 70 may include a structural hub 80 and a cover 90. In certain embodiments, the hub 80 and cover 90 may be assembled together. For example, hub 80 and bonnet 90 can be held together by fasteners 50, which can be arranged in a radial pattern around the circumference of hub 80 and/or bonnet 90. In some embodiments, fasteners 50 engage with flanges extending radially outward 84, 94 on hub 80 and cover 90, respectively. For example, one or more flanges 94 on cover 90 can be aligned with one or more flanges 84 on hub 80 so that a fastener 50 can be extended through holes in aligned flanges 84, 94. cap 90 are symmetrically distributed around the outer circumference of cap 90. In some such embodiments cap 90 may be affixed to hub 80 in a plurality of relative rotational orientations. In some embodiments, flanges 94 are asymmetrically distributed around the outer circumference of cover 90 such that cover 90 connects with hub 80 in only a relative rotational orientation. In some such embodiments, the rotational alignment of some portion of hub 80 and/or the contents thereof may be consistently aligned with some portion of cover 90. In some embodiments, hub 80 and/or cover 90 may include one or more magnets housed within and/or on the surface of hub 80 and/or cover 90 (eg magnets for use with Hall Effect sensors to activate electrical components within or around the housing assembly 70).
[0083] In some cases, the hub 80 and/or the cover 90 include second adjustment features 82. The second adjustment features 82 may correspond to the features 22 within the frame 20 of the tread assembly 10. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of second fit features 82, arranged in a radial pattern around the outer circumference of housing assembly 70. Other configurations are also contemplated and form part of this disclosure. In some cases, the second fit features 82 include outwardly extending flanges 84. In some cases, the second fit features 82 include radially inwardly extending notches 85. In some cases, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the second fit features 82 include a combination of outwardly extending flanges 84 and radially inwardly extending notches 85.
[0084] As shown, the housing assembly 70 may have an axial depth D. In some cases, the second fit features 82 extend for less than the entire axial depth D of the housing assembly 70. In other cases, the second fit features 82 may extend for less than the entire axial depth D of housing assembly 70. Such a configuration may provide, for example, an improved connection between housing assembly 70 and tread assembly 10 when assembled together, as discussed below. In some implementations, the depth D of the housing 70 is greater than or equal to the axial width W of the frame 20.
[0085] In some embodiments, cap 90 and hub 80 include rib features 97 and 87, which form a structure of mating channels around the inner circumference of cap 90 and hub 80. Rib features 97 and 87 may housing a seal (eg, a rubber or polymer O-ring) that can be configured to inhibit or prevent moisture or other contaminants from entering the interior of the housing assembly 70 when the hub 80 is fitted with the cover 90 Such a configuration may, for example, protect devices (e.g., mechanical or electrical components) disposed within the housing assembly 70. Examples of such devices may include, for example, a brake mechanism, a device for communicating. two-way, a navigation device, a power generator, a computer processor, a battery, combinations of such devices, or otherwise. Examples of some of such devices are discussed below: US Patent No. 8,046,160 entitled "NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WHEELED OBJECTS"; US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0244588, filed March 20, 2006, entitled “TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR WHEELED VEHICLE TRACKING LOCATIONS AND STATES”; and US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0249320, filed March 20, 2006, entitled “POWER GENERATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR WHEELED OBJECTS”; the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0086] In certain variants, the cover 90 and the hub 80 are configured to be easily separable from each other. For example, in some implementations, cover 90 and hub 80 are configured to be detachable after fasteners 50 are removed. Designs that include the detachable cover 90 and hub 80 can, for example, facilitate the ability to service, replace, repair, and/or otherwise service devices in housing assembly 70. For example, such designs can facilitate installation of a new battery in the housing assembly 70. Some embodiments have an O-ring or other type of sealing or sealing device disposed between, near or adjacent to rib features 97 and 87.
[0087] In some variant, cover 90 and hub 80 are substantially permanently joined. For example, in some embodiments, the channel structure may be at least partially filled with an adhesive (not shown) which, in combination with the surfaces formed by rib features 97 and 87, substantially permanently joins cover 90 and hub 80 In some embodiments, the adhesive forms a part of the seal or seal between the cover 90 and the hub 80. In some such embodiments, the adhesive may further inhibit or discourage disassembly of the housing assembly 70.
[0088] Certain embodiments that have cover 90 and hub 80 permanently attached have a longer life expectancy than embodiments in which cover 90 and hub 80 are easily separable. For example, embodiments in which the cover 90 and hub 80 are substantially permanently joined may include a battery having a longer life expectancy, an internal generator and energy storage (as described in the US Patent Application Publication. No. 2006/0249320, incorporated herein by reference), and/or intelligent power management circuits, which utilize motion sensors, each of which, alone or in combination, can provide a longer service life than modes in which the cover 90 and hub 80 are easily detachable.
[0089] As shown in the exploded views of Figures 9 to 11, the tread assembly 10 can be installed over the housing assembly 70. For example, the first adjustment features 22 of the frame 20 can be aligned with the second fit features 82 of cover 80 and hub 90 of housing assembly 70. In certain embodiments, tread assembly 10 may be axially slidably mounted over housing assembly 70 when tread assembly 10 and housing assembly 70 are moved towards each other in an axial direction AD. In certain of such embodiments, first fit features 22 may be received in radially inwardly extending notches 85 of housing assembly 70, thus providing an axial interference, which may inhibit or prevent the tread assembly from occurring. 10 rotate with respect to housing assembly 70. In some embodiments, flanges 84 are received in notches 25 of frame 20 to provide additional or alternative circumferential interference between housing assembly 70 and tread assembly 10. First features of adjustment 22 and second adjustment features 82 may be circumferentially distributed in a symmetrical pattern such that tread assembly 10 may align with housing assembly 70 in a plurality of relative rotational orientations. In some embodiments, the first fit features 22 and the second fit features 82 are asymmetrically circumferentially distributed so that the tread assembly 10 and the housing assembly 70 can align in only one relative rotational orientation. In some such embodiments, alignment between certain features (e.g. sensors, mechanical components, electrical components etc.) within the housing assembly 70 and certain features of the tread assembly 10 may be facilitated.
[0090] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 2A, the tread 60 and/or the frame 20 may include one or more fit identifiers 68. The fit identifiers 68 may facilitate proper orientation of the tread assembly. 10 with respect to the housing assembly 70 to connect the tread assembly 10 to the housing assembly 70. For example, the adjustment tags 68 may be positioned on the side of the tread band 60, which faces the assembly of housing 70, before the tread assembly 10 is received over the housing assembly 70. In some embodiments, the fit identifiers 68 correspond to the side of the tread assembly 10, opposite the inwardly extending flanges 24.
[0091] In some embodiments, the tread assembly 10 is secured with the housing assembly 70 with fasteners 52 in order, for example, to reduce the chance of unintended separation and/or to reduce vibration. In some configurations, housing assembly 70 and/or tread assembly 10 include indicia to indicate fasteners 52 that couple housing assembly 70 with tread assembly 10. In certain cases, at least one of the Fasteners 52 is configured to discourage tampering with a wheel assembly. For example, at least one of the fasteners 52 may have a non-standard screw making the connection (eg, a theft resistant head). Fasteners 52 can be installed within the tread assembly 10 and the housing assembly along the axial direction AD.
[0092] In some embodiments, a method of installing a tread assembly 10 includes sliding the tread assembly 10 onto the housing assembly 70. In certain cases, the tread assembly 10 is slid up to it is generally fully seated over housing assembly 70 (eg, in contact with a positive stop or other feature, to denote proper placement). Hub 80 may include one or more hub 83 orientation features, such as one or more projections 83 or recesses. In some such embodiments, tread 60 and/or frame 20 may include one or more tread 27 guiding features (e.g., projections and/or recesses) configured to engage with the one or more features. of hub guidance feature 83. Engagement between the tread guidance feature 27 and the hub guidance feature 83 can facilitate alignment between the first adjustment feature 22 and the second adjustment feature 82. In some cases, tread assembly 10 is axially mounted (e.g., by sliding) onto housing assembly 70. In some embodiments, the method includes securing tread assembly 10 to corresponding features a hub 80 with fasteners 52. According to some variant, the tread assembly 10 can be connected to, and disconnected from, the housing assembly 70 without removing the seal from the housing assembly 70 (by and eg without removing cover 90 from hub 80).
[0093] In certain embodiments, the method further includes mounting a wheel assembly with a castor 240, for example, as shown in Figure 12. In certain embodiments, the method also includes placing a wheel assembly between end portions 242 of the 240 castor; placing a first fastener 228 (e.g., a bolt) through end portions 242 and a wheel assembly; and securing the first fastener 228 with a second fastener 232 (e.g., a nut). In certain cases, the method also includes mating at least a flat portion 234 of an axle 243 of a wheel assembly with a retaining clip 225. In certain such cases, the method also includes inhibiting rotation of the axle 234. For example , rotation of shaft 234 may be inhibited by an interference fit between the "U"-shaped side of retaining clip 225 and at least one of end portions 242 of caster 240.
[0094] In some embodiments, a method of removing a tread assembly 10 substantially includes reversing some of the actions in the above-described installation method of a tread assembly 10. For example: detaching an assembly from the caster 240 (e.g., by loosening the fastener 228, 232 and removing the fastener 228), loosening the fasteners 52, and axially sliding the tread assembly 10 out of the housing assembly 70.
[0095] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a tread assembly 10 includes forming the frame 20 and molding a tread band 60 onto the frame 20. Some embodiments include vulcanizing the tread band 60. In some cases, the method includes applying an adhesive to an outer surface of the frame 20, which can, for example, improve the adhesion of the tread band 60 to the frame 20.
[0096] With reference to Figures 13 to 22, another embodiment of a tread assembly is illustrated. In some embodiments, the tread assembly 110 includes a frame 120 and a tread 160. Certain embodiments of the frame 120 are nylon and are injection molded. In some embodiments, tread 160 is rubber (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)). Certain variants of the tread 160 may be overmolded onto the insert ring 120. As shown in Figure 14, on the mounted tread 110, the tread 160 may be positioned generally outside and around the frame 120. By For example, a frame 120 may be received on the tread 160.
[0097] As illustrated in Figures 14 through 16, in certain implementations, tread insert component 120 has first fit features 122, arranged in a radial pattern and spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction Dc around of an inner circumference of the frame 120. In some variant, the first fit features 122 correspond to the second fit features 182 positioned on an outer circumference of the wheel hub 180. The second fit features 182 may be arranged in a radial pattern at around the circumference of hub 180. The tread assembly illustrated in Figures 13 through 22 includes a wheel cover configured to mate with hub 180 which is not shown in the figures. The wheel cover can be configured to mate with the hub 180 to create a seal between a wheel cover and the hub 180. In some embodiments, the first fit features 122 and the second fit features 182 are asymmetrically circumferentially distributed. so that the tread insert member 120 and the hub 180 can align in only one relative rotational orientation. In some such embodiments, alignment between certain features (e.g., sensors, mechanical components, electrical components, etc.) of hub 180 and certain features of frame 120 and/or tread 160 may be facilitated. First fit features 122 and second fit features 182 may, in some embodiments, be circumferentially distributed in a symmetrical pattern such that component insert 120 may align with hub 180 in a plurality of relative rotational orientations.
[0098] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in some variant, the first fit features 122 of the frame 120 include projections 124 and recesses 125. In certain embodiments, the second fit features 182 of the hub 180 include recesses 185 and projections 184. The first fit features 122 can be configured and arranged in such a way that the projections 124 can be received in the recesses 185 in the hub 180, thus allowing the mating of the projections 124 and the recesses 185 to engage. the projections 184 in the hub 180 can be received in the recesses 125 in the insert ring 120, thus allowing mating engagement of the projections 184 and the recesses 125.
[0099] In certain embodiments, the tread insert 160 can be mounted with the wheel hub 180 by adapting or mating (e.g., sliding) the tread insert 160 over the hub 180. For example, the projection 124 in the insert 160 may be generally aligned with a portion of the recess 185 of the hub 180, allowing the projection 124 to be slidably (e.g., axially) received in the recess 185. In some embodiments, the insert 160 is pushed over the hub 180. In some embodiments, the tread insert 160 is pushed completely over the hub.
[00100] In certain variants, recess 185 has sufficient axial width (eg, parallel to the axis of rotation) so that projection 124 does not circumferentially interfere with projection 184 when projection 124 is received in recess 185. In some arrangements, when projection 124 is received in recess 185, projection 124 has a first axial width and projection 184 has a second axial width, with the first and second axial widths not axially overlapping.
[00101] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in some implementations, tread insert 160 may be rotated relative to hub 180. In some embodiments, tread insert 160 may be rotated (e.g., in a clockwise direction relative to the hub) until it engages (eg, abuts, or is otherwise stopped by) walls defining recess 185 of hub 180. For example, insert rotation of tread 160 relative to hub 180 can cause projection 124 of insert 160 to be received in a second recess 188 extending perpendicularly and generally in a circumferential direction DC away from recess 185. In some configurations, rotation of the insert of tread 160 relative to hub 180 may cause projection 184 of hub 80 to be received in second recess 129 on tread insert 120. Such a configuration may, for example, increase strength and/or reduce the proof bility of relative movement of insert 160 and hub 180. In some embodiments, the engagement of insert 160 and the walls of hub 180 facilitates the transfer of torque between insert 160 and hub 180. In certain variants, when band insert 160 is rotated, the projections 124 on the inside of the circumference are moved close to, to then forward of, and/or behind the projections 184 on the outside of the hub 180.
[00102] In certain implementations, the projections 124, 184 include holes 111. In certain embodiments, when the tread insert member 160 has been rotated to its final position, the holes 111 passing through each of the projections 124, 184 will be aligned. In some implementations, fasteners (e.g. screws 52) may be driven into aligned holes 111, thereby securing tread insert 160 and hub 180 and/or inhibiting or preventing further relative rotation of insert 160 and hub 180. Some variants include a wheel cover with a mating hole (not shown). In some embodiments, fasteners 50, 52 secure the tread insert 160 and the hub 180 and wheel cover (not shown). For example, fasteners 50, 52 may pass through a portion of each of the tread insert 160 and the hub 180 and wheel cover. Such a configuration can improve the structural and/or watertight characteristics of the tread assembly. In some embodiments, each of the fasteners 50, 52 passes through the wheel cover. In some embodiments, fasteners 52 used to connect the first adjustment feature 122 to the second adjustment feature 182 may have a non-standard screw making the connection (e.g., a theft resistant head).
[00103] In some embodiments, the tread insert 160 may be configured so that the projection 124 can be axially spaced from the projection 184. In some variations, the projections 124 of the tread insert 160 are received by a generally axially oriented third recess 189 of the second adjustment feature 182. Such receiving the projections 124 can facilitate the transfer of torque between the projection 124 and the walls defining the third recess 189. In some embodiments, the engagement of the projections 124 with the third recess 189 it can reduce the tension on any fasteners 52 used to mate the first adjustment feature 122 with the second adjustment feature 182.
[00104] Figures 23 to 26 illustrate another embodiment of the wheel. The wheel may include a tread assembly 310 and a housing assembly 370 which may include components or parts that are the same as, or similar to, components or parts of the tread assembly 10 and the housing assembly. 70, described above. Some numerical references for the components in Figures 23-26 are the same as, or similar to, those previously described for the tread assembly 10 and the housing assembly 70 (e.g., a cover 390 is similarly enumerated as a coverage 90 discussed above).
[00105] In accordance with certain embodiments, the tread assembly 310 includes a frame 320 and a tread band 360. As discussed in more detail below, the frame 320 may be configured to receive and/or engage the tread band 360. Certain embodiments of frame 320 are metal, such as aluminum or a plastic, such as nylon. In some implementations, the frame is injection molded. In some embodiments, tread 360 is rubber (eg, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)). Certain variants of the tread 360 can be overmolded into a frame 320. As shown in Figure 23, on the mounted tread band 310, the tread band 360 can be positioned generally outside and around the frame 320. For example, a frame 320 can be received on the tread 360.
[00106] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24, a frame 320 includes one or more adjustment features. For example, frame 320 may include one or more projections 324. Projections 324 may extend radially inward (e.g., when measured on a reference frame of the radius of frame 320) from a radially inner surface of frame 320 Projections 324 may include holes configured to receive 355 fasteners (eg screws). In some embodiments, the projections 324 have a first portion, radially spaced from a second portion. For example, the first part can be positioned radially within the second part. In some embodiments, the first part has a circumferential width that is greater than the circumferential width of the second part (for example, positioned radially away from the first part).
[00107] In some embodiments, the frame 320 includes one or more recesses 325. The recesses 325 may extend radially outward from a radially inward face of the frame 320. In some embodiments, a radially outwardly positioned portion of the recesses 325 is circumferentially wider than a radially inwardly positioned portion of recesses 325. For example, the circumferential width of recesses 325 at a radially inward edge may be less than the circumferential width of recesses 325 at a point radially outward from the edge radially into recesses 325.
[00108] As illustrated in Figures 23 and 25 and 26, the housing assembly 370 may include a structural hub 380, configured to mate with a cover 390. For example, one or more fasteners 350 (e.g., screws) may be used to mate one or more radially outwardly extending flanges 394 of cover 390 with one or more radially outwardly extending flanges 384 of hub 380. Flanges 384, 394 can be sized and configured to mate with recesses 325 of frame 320. For example, flanges 384 and/or flanges 394 may be correspondingly configured with recesses 325. In certain implementations, flanges 384 and/or flanges 394 extend radially outward in an enlarged shape.
[00109] In some embodiments, the circumferential width of the flanges 384, 394 changes as a function of radial distance. For example, the circumferential width of flanges 384, 394 may increase as a function of radial distance. Flanges 384 and/or flanges 394 may have a radially distal portion and a radially proximal portion. The radially distal portion may have a first circumferential width and the radially proximal portion may have a second circumferential width. In some embodiments, the first circumferential width is greater than the second circumferential width. For example, the ratio of the first circumferential width to the second circumferential width can be at least about: 1.05: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.25: 1, 1.33: 1, 1.5: 1, 1.75: 1, values between the above mentioned values, or otherwise.
[00110] In some embodiments, a first surface of the flanges 384 and/or the flanges 394 is angled with respect to a body portion of the hub 380 and/or the cover 390, respectively. For example, the first surface can be angled radially outward at an angle A1. In certain embodiments, angle A1 is greater than or equal to about 3° and/or less than or equal to about 20°. In some embodiments, the angle Al is less than or equal to about: 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise .
[00111] In certain embodiments, a second surface of the flanges 384 and/or the flanges 394 is angled with respect to the body portion of the hub 380 and/or the cover 390, respectively. For example, the first surface can be angled radially outward at an angle A2. In certain variants, angle A2 is approximately equal to angle A1. In some modalities, angle A2 is greater than angle A1. In certain implementations, angle A2 is less than angle Al.
[00112] In some embodiments, the structural hub 380 includes one or more radially inwardly extending recesses 385. The recesses 385 may have radially inward first portions that have circumferential widths that are greater than the circumferential widths of portions of the recesses 385, positioned radially outwardly from the first portions radially inwardly into recesses 385. In some embodiments, recesses 385 are sized and configured to mate with projections 324 of frame 320.
[00113] In some embodiments, the projections 324 and/or the flanges 384, 394, in combination with the corresponding adjustment characteristics (for example, the recesses 385 and 325, respectively), can inhibit or prevent the relative movement of the set of tread band 310 with respect to housing assembly 370. As illustrated in Figure 23, tread band assembly 310 may be received in housing assembly 370. For example, in some embodiments, some or all of the tread assemblies 310 may be slid generally along an axial direction AD within housing assembly 370. In certain variants, when tread assembly 310 is slid over housing assembly 370, projections 324 may be received (e.g., slideably) into recesses 385. In some embodiments, when tread assembly 310 is slid onto housing assembly 370, flanges 384, 394 may be received (e.g., slideably) within recesses 325. Projections 324 may interface with recesses 385 and/or flanges 384, 394 may interface with recesses 325 to inhibit relative rotation of tread assembly 310 relative to housing assembly 370.
[00114] In some embodiments, the variable circumferential widths (e.g., as a function of radial distance) of the projections 324 and recesses 385 may inhibit or prevent radial movement of the tread assembly 310 with respect to the housing assembly 370 In some embodiments, the variable circumferential widths (e.g., as a function of radial distance) of flanges 384, 394 and recesses 325 can inhibit or prevent radial movement of tread assembly 310 relative to housing assembly 370 and/or may help to inhibit or prevent rotational movement of movement of the tread assembly 310 relative to the housing assembly 370. In some embodiments, the inhibition of radial and/or rotational movement between the tread assembly tread 310 and housing assembly 370 may reduce wear on tread band 310, may decrease vibration, and/or may increase the life span of the tread assembly 310. runway 310.
[00115] As illustrated in Figure 23, one or more fasteners 355 may be used to couple tread assembly 310 with housing assembly 370. The fasteners may include a head end, which can be configured to engage with a screwdriver or other tool, and a working end opposite the head end. In some variant, fasteners 355 may be inserted through (e.g., by a sliding fit) passages in projections 382 of housing assembly 370 (see Figure 26). In various embodiments, the passages in the projections 382 can extend completely through the projections 382 in the generally axial direction so that the working end of one of the fasteners 355 can pass completely through one of the passages. Projections 382 may extend radially outward from structural hub 380.
[00116] In some embodiments, one or more of the fasteners 355 may engage holes in the projections 324 of the frame 320. For example, the working ends of the fasteners may extend through the passages in the projections 382 of the housing assembly 370 and may engage the projections 324 of frame 320. When tread assembly 310 typically is a lower cost component (e.g., it does not include certain electronic components or other parts) compared to hub assembly 370, and/or is a component which is more easily replaceable than hub assembly 370, it may be desirable to position the working end on tread assembly 310. For example, in the event that one or more of the fasteners 355 breaks or otherwise fails, that it may result in the working end being generally unrecoverable, it may be desirable to have the working end, generally unrecoverable, positioned on the shortest shortest component and/or more easily replaceable (e.g., tread assembly 310) than hub assembly 370. Consequently, in some embodiments, all of the fasteners 355 are arranged so that the working ends of the fasteners can engage the projections 324 in the assembly. of tread 310 (eg on a frame 320). In some embodiments, this configuration can facilitate reuse of the hub assembly 370 and/or reduce the likelihood that the working end of one or more of the fasteners 355 is generally irretrievably disposed in the projection 384, which could require discarding the hub assembly. hub 370. In other embodiments, some (or none at all) of the fasteners 355 are arranged so that the working ends of the fasteners can engage the projections 324 on the tread assembly 310, while other(s) of the fasteners 355 are oppositely oriented, with their working ends disposed on the hub assembly 370.
[00117] Figures 27 to 32 illustrate another embodiment of the wheel. The wheel may include a tread assembly 410 and a housing assembly 470 (e.g., hub) which may include components or parts that are the same as, or similar to, the components or parts of the tread assembly. 310 and housing assembly 370, described above. Some numerical references for the components in Figures 27-32 are the same or similar to those previously described for the tread assembly 310 and the housing assembly 370 (e.g., the frame 420 is similarly enumerated as a frame 320, discussed above).
[00118] As illustrated in Figures 27-29, the tread assembly 410 may include a frame 420 and a tread band 460. The tread band 460 may be positioned radially outside a frame 420 when the tread assembly runway 410 is in a mounted configuration. In some embodiments, tread 460 is co-molded over frame 420. Tread assembly 410 may be configured to detachably mate with housing assembly 470. Housing assembly 470 may include one or more portions non-refurbishable, such as an electronic component (eg, a controller, battery or other power source, or otherwise).
[00119] In some embodiments, it is desirable to use wheels of varying diameters. For example, in certain applications that use four wheels (eg shopping carts), it may be desirable to have rear wheels that have larger or smaller diameters than the front wheels. However, this can result in a need to inventory, order, maintain, or otherwise manipulate multiple wheel sizes. It may be more convenient and/or desirable to inventory a single housing assembly 470 configuration (e.g., size and/or model), which is adapted to match different tread sizes.
[00120] As described in more detail below, housing assembly 470 may engage with frame 420. In some embodiments, frame 420 is similar or identical to frame 310. a first inner diameter, an interior of frame 420 may directly mate with an exterior of housing assembly 470. In some embodiments, such embodiments in which tread band 460 has a second inner diameter (e.g., larger than diameter outside of housing assembly 470 by at least about 5 mm), frame 420 includes an adapter, such as a spacer 430 or other radial spacing structure. In some such embodiments, spacer 430 may span some or all of the radial interstice between tread 460 and housing assembly 470. In various implementations, such a design may facilitate the use of treads 460 having different diameters with a single configuration of the housing set 470 (eg, size). In various embodiments, spacer 430 can facilitate the use of various sizes of tread 460 with a common housing assembly 470. When used herein, the term "common" has its normal and customary meaning (e.g., gasket; a characteristic of being shared by two or more components; or otherwise). For example, in some embodiments, treads 460 having different configurations (e.g. outside diameters) are each adapted to receive and/or engage in conjunction with a common housing assembly 470 (e.g., the same) .
[00121] As illustrated in Figures 30-31, a frame 420 may have an inner radial portion 420a including one or more fit features (eg projections 424, recesses 425, alignment features 427 etc.). Inner radial portion 420a can be sized and configured to mate with a single configuration (eg, standard one) (eg, size, pattern, fit characteristics, etc.) of housing assembly 470. In some embodiments, the portion internal radial and/or fit features of frame 420 are spaced radially inwardly from tread band 460 and/or from an external radial portion 420b of frame 420 (e.g., a portion of a frame 420 configured to engage with the tread 460). For example, a frame 420 can include spacer 430. Spacer 430 can be positioned between the radially inner portion of the frame 420 and the radially outer portion 420b of the frame 420.
[00122] As illustrated in Figure 31, spacer 430 may comprise a circumferential wall or some other similar structure. In some embodiments, spacer 430 may include one or more cutouts, holes, projections, notches, or other surface features along the circumference of spacer 430. Spacer 430 may have a radial height 436. particular frame 420 can be determined by the desired wheel diameter. For example, in some embodiments, radial height 436 can be greater than or equal to about 2 mm and/or less than or equal to about 25.4 mm. In some embodiments, radial height 436 is greater than or equal to about 3.2 mm and/or less than or equal to 13.3 mm. In some embodiments, height 436 is approximately 5 mm. Many variations are possible.
In some embodiments, the radial thickness 436 of the spacer 430 is less than a radial thickness 433 of the tread 460. In some embodiments, the radial thickness 436 of the spacer 430 is greater than the radial thickness 433 of the tread band 460. For example, the radial thickness 436 of the spacer 430 may be greater than or equal to about 102% of the radial thickness of the tread band 460 and/or less than or equal to about 240% of the radial thickness of the tread band. tread 460. In some embodiments, the radial thickness 436 of spacer 430 is at least approximately 185% of the radial thickness of tread band 460.
[00124] According to certain embodiments, the spacer 430 may have an axial thickness 437 (for example, the thickness parallel to the axial direction AD). The axial thickness 437 of the spacer 430 may be less than or equal to an axial thickness 438 of a radially outward portion of the frame 420, such as the radially outer portion 420b. For example, the axial thickness 437 of the spacer 430 may be greater than or equal to about 5% of the axial thickness 438 of a radially outward portion of the frame 420 and/or less than or equal to about 80% of an axial thickness 438 of a radially outward portion of the frame 420. In some embodiments, the axial thickness 437 of the spacer 430 is approximately 15% of the axial thickness 438 of a radially outward portion of the frame 420. In some embodiments, a radially inward portion of the frame 420 has substantially the same axial thickness as the radially outward portion of frame 420. In some embodiments, a frame 420 having a spacer 430 that has an axial thickness less than the axial thickness of the radially inward and radially outward portions 420a, 420b of frame 420 can reduce fabrication costs and/or facilitate fabricability (e.g., molding). In some embodiments, an axially thin spacer 430 can facilitate a lightweight frame 420.
[00125] As illustrated in Figures 27 to 32, spacer 430 may include one or more stabilizing elements (eg, ribs 435). The stabilizing elements can increase the strength and/or rigidity of the frame 420. This can inhibit or prevent relative movement and/or oscillation (e.g., rotation about an axis other than the axis of rotation of the wheel) between the band. of tread 460 and the housing assembly 470, when the tread assembly 410 is installed over the housing assembly 470. For example, an axial rib 435 may be positioned radially off one or more of the projections 424 of the frame 420. In some embodiments, an axial rib 435 extends radially outward from each of the projections 425. Some or all of the axial ribs 435 may have an axial thickness that is less than the axial thickness 438 of the radially outward portion 420b of the frame. 420. For example, the axial thickness of the axial ribs 435 may be greater than or equal to about 50% of the axial thickness 438 of the radially outward portion 420b of the frame 420 and/or less than or equal to about 9 5% of the axial thickness 438 of the radially outward portion 420b of the frame 420. In some examples, the axial rib 435 has an axial thickness of at least approximately 95% of the axial thickness 438 of the radially outward portion of the frame 420.
[00126] As illustrated in Figure 32, a radial distance between an inwardly radial surface of the projections 424 and the tread portion 460 may be greater than a radial thickness 433 of the tread portion 460. For example, the distance The radial thickness between an inwardly radial surface of the projections 424 and the tread portion 460 may be greater than or equal to about 125% of the radial thickness 433 of the tread portion 460 and/or less than or equal to, about 300% of the radial thickness 433 of the tread portion 460. In some embodiments, the radial thickness between an inner radial surface of the projections 424 and the tread band 460 is at least approximately 215% of the radial thickness 433 of the tread band. shooting 460.
[00127] Figures 33-39 illustrate another embodiment of the wheel. A wheel may include a tread assembly 510 and a housing assembly 570 (e.g., hub), which may include components or parts that are the same as, or similar to, the components or parts of the tread assembly. bearing 410 and housing assembly 470, described above. Some numerical references for the components in Figures 33-39 are the same as, or similar to, those previously described for the tread assembly 410 and the housing assembly 470 (e.g., a frame 520 is similarly enumerated as a frame 420, discussed above).
[00128] As illustrated in Figures 34-37, a frame 520 may include one or more tread gripping features 541. The tread gripping features 541 can be, for example, locking flanges or other configured structure to inhibit axial and/or circumferential movement between frame 520 and housing assembly 570 when frame 520 is connected to (e.g., engaged with) housing assembly 570.
[00129] Tread gripping features 541 may include a locking portion 543. In some embodiments, locking portion 543 is a tooth, projection, or other surface feature, configured to engage with a portion of the tread assembly. housing 570. As discussed in greater detail below, locking portion 543 may engage a portion of housing assembly 570 to facilitate gripping of tread assembly 510 and housing assembly 570.
[00130] The tread gripping features 541 may include a deflection portion 545. For example, a deflection portion 545 of the tread gripping features 541 may allow deflection of the locking portion 543 during engagement and /or during disengagement of the locking portion 543 with a portion of the housing assembly 570. In some embodiments, the deflection portion 545 may be constructed of a flexible and/or semi-flexible material (e.g., a polymer or metal) . In various embodiments, the deflection portion 545 is configured to resiliently deflect in a generally radial direction, such as radially outward. As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the deflection portion 545 may be configured to resiliently deflect with certain amounts of deflection (e.g., less than or equal to about: 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, values between the above mentioned values, and otherwise) and to deflect non-resilently with certain other deflection amounts (eg greater than the resilient deflection amount).
[00131] As illustrated in Figures 38 and 39, housing assembly 570 may include one or more frame engagement features 547. For example, housing assembly 570 may include one or more notches, grooves, projections, or other features of surface which can (e.g., releasably or permanently) engage with a portion of the tread gripping features 541 of the frame 520. In some embodiments, the frame engaging features 547 are configured to receive the locking portions 543 of the features tread grip 541.
[00132] In some embodiments, housing assembly 570 and/or cover 590 include one or more mount facilitating features, such as notches 549. Notches 549 may be sized and configured to engage with locking portion 543 of the features tread gripping features 541 of frame 520. For example, notches 549 may have an inclined surface configured to deflect radially (e.g., radially outwardly) the locking portion 543 of tread grip features 541 as locking features transition to an engaged position with the 547 frame engagement features along the axial direction AD. In various embodiments, the mounting facilitating features are generally circumferentially aligned with the frame engagement features 547. For example, as illustrated in Figure 38, the notches 549 and the frame engagement features 547 are generally circumferentially aligned. In some implementations, notches 549 are on an axial side of housing assembly 570 and frame engaging features 547 are on an axially opposite side of housing assembly 570. In some embodiments, notches 549 and frame engaging features 547 are connected by a channel (not shown).
[00133] During assembling the tread assembly 510 with the housing assembly 570, the tread gripping features 541 can be circumferentially aligned with the notches 549. The tread assembly 510 can be moved axially in with respect to housing assembly 570. This may engage grip features 541 with notches 549, which may result in grip features 541 being deflected (e.g., radially outward) by the bias of notches 549. The band assembly of tread 510 can move axially over housing assembly 570. With continued axial movement, the locking portion 543 of tread gripping features 541 can engage (e.g. deflect inwardly of) the frame engagement features 547 over the housing assembly 570, as shown in Figure 39. This can secure the tread assembly 510 with the housing assembly 570.
[00134] As illustrated in Figure 39, the locking portions 543 of the tread gripping features 541 may engage with the frame engaging features 547 of the housing assembly 570. As noted above, this may secure the tread assembly of tread 510 with housing assembly 570. However, some arrangements are configured to facilitate removal of tread assembly 510 from housing assembly 570, such as when tread assembly 560 has become worn or damaged. For example, in certain implementations, the tool (eg, a screwdriver or other similar tool) can be used to deflect the locking portion 543 of the tread grip feature 541 of the frame 520 away (eg, radially outward) from the axial locking features 547 of the housing assembly 570. Certain implementations are configured so that a part of the tool can be used as a lever or wedge, such as between the locking part 543 and the tread grip 541. This can facilitate disengagement of the locking portion 543 from the frame engagement feature 547, thus allowing the tread assembly 510 to be axially removed from the housing assembly 570.
[00135] Some embodiments include a plurality of locking portions 547 and a plurality of frame engagement features 547. In certain such embodiments, all of the locking portions 543 will need to be disengaged from the frame engagement features 547 in order for the tread assembly 510 is axially removed from the housing assembly 570. This can provide additional security, because even if one or more of the locking portions 543 is inadvertently disengaged from the frame engagement features 547, the tread assembly bearing 510 may remain attached to housing assembly 570.
[00136] In some embodiments, some part of the tread grip feature 541, such as the deflection portion 545, may include one or more features configured to form a weakened or frangible region in the tread grip feature 541 For example, the deflection portion 545 may include one or more notches, ledges, or other surface features. In some variant, the frangible part (e.g., a notch, slit, narrowed material thickness part, reduced material strength part, or otherwise) may be positioned on the deflection part 545. The frangible part may allow a user breaks (e.g., non-resilently deflect) the axial engagement portion 541 during removal of the tread assembly 510 from the housing assembly 570. For example, the frangible portion may be configured to snap at the time of deflection of the locking part 543 beyond a certain extent in a radially outward direction (eg with a tool such as a screwdriver). In various embodiments, the frangible part is adapted to rupture when the locking part 543 has been deflected at least by approximately: 2mm, 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise .
[00137] The ability to break the gripping characteristics of tread 541 (for example with the frangible part) can, for example, reduce the probability that the locking part 543 deflects back into engagement with the notch 549. This can facilitate removal of tread assembly 510 from housing assembly 570. In some embodiments, disruption of tread grip features 541 can provide confirmation that tread assembly 510 has been used. Such confirmation can reduce the likelihood that a user will inadvertently reinstall a used tread set 510 over a housing set 570.
[00138] Although the present exposition has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and certain preferred uses, other modalities and other uses, which are apparent to those of common knowledge in the art, including modalities and uses which do not all derive from the features and advantages exposed here, are also within the scope of this exhibition. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps may be arranged or performed differently than described, and components, elements, features, acts, or steps may be combined, merged, added, or left out in various modalities. For example, any or all of the tread assembly features of Figures 1 through 12 may be used with the tread assembly of Figures 13 through 22 and/or Figures 23-26 and any or all of the features. of the tread assembly of Figures 13 to 22 and/or Figures 23 to 26 may be used with the tread assembly of Figures 1 to 12. Also, the wheels and tread assemblies shown and described herein can be used in any type of non-motorized wheeled vehicle, human-powered vehicle, or cart, such as a shopping cart, a hospital or medical device cart, wheelchair, an equipment cart, and others. More specifically, all possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components, described here, are intended to be included in this exhibition. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable for each modality. Consequently, the scope of certain modalities of the present exposition shall be defined by the Claims which follow and their obvious modifications and equivalents.
[00139] Certain features that are described in this description in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, multiple features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any appropriate subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features of a claimed combination may, in some cases, be practiced from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed at a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[00140] Conventional language used here, such as, among others, "may", "might", "could have permission", "may have permission", "for example", and the like, unless specifically mentioned otherwise , or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain modalities include, while other modalities do not, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conventional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more modalities or that one or more modalities necessarily include logic to decide, with or without author input or warning , whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular modality. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open manner, and do not exclude additional elements, characteristics, acts, operations and the like. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some or all of the elements in the list.
[00141] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y and Z", unless specifically mentioned to the contrary, is otherwise understood with context as used in general to convey that an item, term etc. it can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain modalities require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z for each to be present.
[00142] The language of degree, used here, such as the terms "approximately", "around", "generally" and "substantially", when used here, represent a value, quantity, or characteristic close to the mentioned value, quantity or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about", "generally" and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of , within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that starts from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise. As yet another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally perpendicular" and "substantially perpendicular" refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that starts from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree or otherwise.
[00143] Similarly, although operations may be represented in the drawings or described in the description in a particular order, it should be recognized that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all of the operations are performed , to achieve the desired results. Other operations that are not represented or described can be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, operations can be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Furthermore, the separation of multiple system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together into a single product or packaged in multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following Claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the Claims may be performed in a different order and still obtain desirable results.
[00144] Some modalities have been described in connection with the attached drawings. The Figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, as dimensions and proportions other than those shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles etc. they are illustrative only and do not necessarily support an exact relationship to the actual dimensions and schematics of the illustrated devices. Components can be added, removed and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure here of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element or the like in connection with various embodiments may be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein can be practiced using any suitable device to carry out the steps mentioned.
[00145] In short, several modalities and examples of wheel sets were exposed. Although the wheel sets have been exhibited in the context of those modalities and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this exhibit extends beyond the modalities specifically exposed to other alternative modalities and/or other uses of the modalities, as well as certain modifications and certain equivalents thereof. For example, although some modalities have been described in connection with shopping carts, some modalities can be configured to be used with other types of non-motorized wheeled vehicles. This exhibition expressly contemplates that any of the various characteristics and aspects of the modalities shown may be combined or replaced by others. Consequently, the scope of this exposition should not be limited by the particular modalities set forth above, but should only be determined by a clear reading of the Claims that follow.

权利要求:
Claims (16)
[0001]
1. Wheel for Human Powered Cart, the wheel having a first axial side and a second axial side and being configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein the wheel comprises: a housing assembly (370) comprising a structural hub (380) and projections (382) extending radially outward, the structural hub (380) configured to mate with a cover (390), the projections (382) comprising passages; a tread assembly (310) configured to be received in the housing assembly (370) through the second axial side, the tread assembly comprising a frame (320) and a tread band (360), the frame ( 320) configured to receive and/or engage the tread (360), the tread (360) positioned outwardly and around the frame (320) and configured to engage a surface on which the wheel is configured to roll, the frame (320) including a radially outward portion, one or more projections (324) extending radially inward from a radially inner surface of the frame (320), the projections (324) including apertures configured to receive fasteners ( 355); and one or more fasteners (355) used to couple the tread assembly (310) to the housing assembly (370), each of the fasteners comprising: a head end configured to, in use, engage with a screwdriver or another tool through the first axial side of the wheel; and a working end opposite the head end; characterized in that the fasteners (355) can be inserted through the passages in the projections (382) of the housing assembly (370); wherein the fasteners (355) are arranged such that the working ends of the fasteners engage openings in the projections (324) of the frame (320) of the tread assembly (310).
[0002]
2. Human-Driven Cart Wheel according to Claim 1, characterized in that the passageways in the projections (382) extend completely through the projections (382) in an axial (AD) direction.
[0003]
3. Human-Driven Cart Wheel according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the hub (380) comprises one or more radially outwardly extending flanges (384) having a circumferential width that increases as a function of the radial distance.
[0004]
The Human-Driven Cart Wheel according to Claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the flanges (384) extends radially outward in an enlarged shape.
[0005]
5. Human-Driven Cart Wheel according to Claim 3, characterized in that the frame (320) of the tread assembly (310) includes one or more radially outwardly extending recesses (325) and the flanges (384) of the hub (380) of the housing assembly (370) interface with the recesses (325) to inhibit relative rotation of the tread assembly (310) relative to the housing assembly (370).
[0006]
A human-powered cart wheel according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the hub (380) comprises one or more radially inwardly extending recesses (385).
[0007]
7. Wheel for Human Driven Cart according to Claim 6, characterized in that the recesses (385) comprise first parts and second parts, the second parts being located radially outward from the first parts, the first parts having circumferential widths which are greater than the circumferential widths of the second parts.
[0008]
8. Human-Driven Cart Wheel according to Claim 6, characterized in that the projections (324) of the tread assembly (310) interface with the recesses (385) of the hub (380) of the tread assembly. housing (370) to inhibit relative rotation of the tread assembly (310) relative to the housing assembly (370).
[0009]
9. Wheel for Human-Driven Cart, according to any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising the cover (390), characterized in that one or more flanges (394) extending radially outward from the cover (390) engage to one or more flanges (384) extending radially outward from the hub (380).
[0010]
10. Human-Driven Cart Wheel, according to Claim 9, characterized in that the flanges (384), (394) are sized and configured to mate with the corresponding recesses (325) of the frame (320), at that the flanges (394) are correspondingly configured with the recesses (325).
[0011]
11. Human-Powered Cart Wheel according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the passageways in the projections (382) receive the fasteners (355) with a sliding fit.
[0012]
12. Wheel for human-powered cart, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fasteners comprise screws.
[0013]
13. Man-Propelled Cart Wheel Manufacturing Method, the wheel having a first axial side and a second axial side and being configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the method comprising: obtaining a housing assembly (370 ) comprising a structural hub (380) and radially outwardly extending projections (382), the projections (382) comprising passages; obtaining a tread assembly (310) configured to be received in the housing assembly (370) through the second axial side, the tread assembly comprising a frame (320) and a tread band (360), the frame (320) configured to receive and/or engage the tread (360), the tread (360) positioned outwardly and around the frame (320) and configured to engage a surface on which the wheel is configured to roll , the frame (320) including a radially outward portion, one or more projections (324) extending radially inwardly from a radially inner surface of the frame (320), the projections (324) including apertures configured to receive fasteners. (355); obtaining one or more fasteners (355) used to couple the tread assembly (310) to the housing assembly (370), each of the fasteners comprising: a head end configured to, in use, engage with a screwdriver or another tool through the first axial side of the wheel; and a working end opposite the head end; characterized in that it comprises inserting fasteners (355) through passages in the projections (382) of the housing assembly (370); and engaging the working ends of the fasteners (355) with openings in the projections (324) of the frame (320) of the tread assembly (310).
[0014]
Human-Driven Cart Wheel Manufacturing Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that inserting the fasteners (355) through the passages in the projections (382) further comprises inserting the working end of the fasteners (355) completely through the passages.
[0015]
15. Man-Propelled Cart Wheel Manufacturing Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises sliding the tread assembly (310) along an axial direction (AD) in the housing assembly ( 370).
[0016]
16. Man-Propelled Trolley Wheel Manufacturing Method according to Claim 15, further comprising receiving the projections (324) of the frame (320) of the tread assembly (310) in recesses (385 ) which extend radially into the hub (380) of the housing assembly (370).

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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US9358835B2|2016-06-07|

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BR112015016687A2|2017-07-11|

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CA2897315A1|2014-09-12|

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US20170050466A1|2017-02-23|

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CN105008142A|2015-10-28|

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EP2925536A1|2015-10-07|

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US20200047551A1|2020-02-13|

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CA2897315C|2021-04-27|

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EP2925536B1|2018-09-26|

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EP2925536A4|2016-02-17|

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WO2014137669A1|2014-09-12|

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ES2694663T3|2018-12-26|

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CN105008142B|2017-07-28|

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US20140250627A1|2014-09-11|

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法律状态:
2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2020-04-22| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-04-27| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-06-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 25/02/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201361773534P| true| 2013-03-06|2013-03-06|

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US61/773,534|2013-03-06|

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PCT/US2014/018382|WO2014137669A1|2013-03-06|2014-02-25|Wheels for non-motorized vehicles|

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