Patent · US Expired

Molded wheel and bearing assembly

US5871286A · kind A · utility

39Cited by
27References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 1997
Grant dateFeb 16, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16C2326/02
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A molded bearing assembly for a molded wheel includes a synthetic resin outer bearing race element embedded in the hub of the molded wheel and having a cylindrical inner sliding, journal type bearing surface. An inner bearing assembly includes two molded synthetic resin bearing halves having continuous cylindrical outer bearing surfaces disposed within the outer bearing race in sliding engagement with the inner bearing surface of the outer race. The bearing halves of the inner bearing assembly abut each other at their inner ends and may include interlocking structural features at their inner ends that enable securing of the bearing halves together at their inner ends while presenting a continuous outer cylindrical bearing sliding surface that cooperates with the adjacent surface of the outer race. A wheel axle extends through the inner bearing assembly and supports the wheel and bearing assembly for rotation relative to a wheel support. The molded wheel and bearing assembly is adapted for use with a shopping cart.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.