Stephen C Devine

US Patent:

6877185, Apr 12, 2005

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/242983

Inventors:

Earl J. Reilly - Prospect CT, US
Robert F. Karas - Cheshire CT, US
Stephen M. Devine - Washington Depot CT, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

A47B091/00
B60B033/00

US Classification:

16 44, 16 21, 16 25

Abstract:

A caster device is disclosed for movably supporting a load. The caster device includes a wheel for supporting the load and a wheel support having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the wheel support supports the wheel for rotation of the wheel about an axis of rotation. The second extremity of the wheel support defines an aperture and the wheel support has a first surface and a second surface. A support stem has a first and a second end, the support stem extending through the aperture such that the aperture is disposed between the first and the second end of the support stem. The second end of the support stem is connected to the load for supporting the load. Also, a leaf spring is disposed between the aperture and the second end of the support stem such that the leaf spring resiliently contacts the load and cushions the load relative to the wheel.