Wheel apparatus

Abstract

A wheel apparatus constituted of: a pair of housing members, at least one of the pair of housing members exhibiting an opening, the opening exhibiting a groove; a wheel; and a line, wherein the wheel comprises: a circularly shaped central member exhibiting a circumferential groove; and at least one extension member extending from the central member, wherein the at least one extension member is positioned in the groove of the opening of the at least one pair of housing members, and wherein the line is situated within the circumferential groove of the central member.

Description

WHEEL APPARATUSCROSS-REFERECE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S . provisional patent application S / N 63 / 158,898, filed March 10, 2021, and entitled "WHEEL APPARATUS", the entire contents of which incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates substantially to the field of pulleys and clotheslines, and in particular to a wheel apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] Clothesline wheels are constructed to allow clotheslines to be pulled there along, however prior art clothesline suffer from many drawbacks, including frequent loosening of screws securing the wheel and a limited number of options for positioning.SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art wheel apparatuses. This is provided in one embodiment by a wheel apparatus comprising: a pair of housing members, at least one of the pair of housing members exhibiting an opening, the opening exhibiting a groove; a wheel; and a line, wherein the wheel comprises: a circularly shaped central member exhibiting a circumferential groove; and at least one extension member extending from the central member, wherein the at least one extension member is positioned in the groove of the opening of the at least one pair of housing members, and wherein the line is situated within the circumferential groove of the central member.

[0005] In one embodiment, the at least one of the pair of housing members comprises both of the pair of housing members, wherein the at least one extension member comprises a pair ofextension members, a first of the pair of extension members extending from a first face of the central member and a second of the pair of extension members extending from a second face of the central member, and wherein a first of the pair of extension members is positioned in the groove of the opening of a first of the pair of housing members and a second of the pair of extension members is positioned in the groove of the opening of a second of the pair of housing members. In another embodiment, the shape of the at least one extension member is complementary to the shape of the respective groove it is positioned therein.

[0006] In one embodiment, the at least one extension member comprises a pair of conical frustums extending in opposing directions, a face of the base of a first of the pair of conical frustums flush with a face of the base of a second of the pair of conical frustums, and wherein a first of the pair of conical frustums extends, at the top thereof, from the central member of the wheel. In another embodiment, at least a portion of a cross-section of the groove of the at least one of the pair of housing members is generally V-shaped.

[0007] In one embodiment, the opening of the at least one of the pair of housing members is generally U-shaped. In another embodiment, each of the pair of housing members is generally U-shaped.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wheel further comprises at least one securing member, the at least one securing member extending from the at least one extension member away from the central member, wherein the at least one of the pair of housing members comprises a securing section, the at least one securing section exhibiting a hole, and wherein, the at least one securing member is positioned within the hole of the at least one securing section.

[0009] In one further embodiment, for each of the at least one of the pair of housing members, the securing section covers a portion of the respective opening. In another further embodiment, a portion of the at least one securing member exhibits a slanted face, the slanted face facing an inner circumference of the hole of the respective securing section.

[0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an attachment extension, the attachment extension extending from the pair of housing members along a first plane, wherein the attachment extension exhibits a first face and a second face opposing the first face, wherein the attachment extension further exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face, and wherein the first face or second face of the central member of the wheel defines a secondplane, the first plane intersecting the second plane. In one further embodiment, the first plane is generally orthogonal to the second plane.

[0011] In another further embodiment, each of the pair of housing members exhibits a first face and a second face opposing the first face, the first face of the first of the pair of housing members facing the first face of the central member of the wheel and the first face of the second of the pair of housing members facing the second face of the central member of the wheel, wherein the first of the pair of housing members exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face thereof. In one yet further embodiment, the second of the pair of housing members exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face thereof, the hole of the second of the pair of housing members facing the hole of the first of the pair of housing members. In another yet further embodiment, an axis extending through a center of the hole of each of the pair of housing members is generally parallel to the first plane.

[0012] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of connection members, each connection member extending from the first of the pair of housing members to the second of the pair of housing members. In another embodiment, each of the pair of housing members exhibits an edge extension at an edge thereof, the edge extensions extending towards each other.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As utilized herein, “and / or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and / or”. As an example, “x and / or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “x, y or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}.

[0015] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following:A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0016] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts, and “a” and “an” are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0017] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding sections or elements throughout.

[0019] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0020] FIGs. 1 A - II illustrate various high-level views of a wheel apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level view of a clothesline assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component.

[0023] FIGs. 1A - 1C illustrate various high-level perspective views of a wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. ID illustrates a high-level side view of wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. IE illustrates a high-level top view of wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments; FIGs. IF - 1G illustrate various high-level bottom views of wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 1H illustrates a high-level back view of wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments; and FIG. II illustrates a high-level front view of wheel apparatus 10, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGs. 1A - II are described together.

[0024] Wheel apparatus 10 comprises: a pair of housing members 20; a wheel 30; and a line 40 (as shown in FIG. ID). In one embodiment, wheel apparatus 10 further comprises an attachment extension 50. In another embodiment, wheel apparatus 10 further comprises one or more connection members 60.

[0025] In one embodiment, each housing member 20 exhibits a first face 21 and a second face 22, second face 22 opposing first face 21. In another embodiment, one or both of housing members 20 exhibits an opening 70. In one further embodiment, each opening 70 exhibits a groove 75. The term "groove", as used herein, means an elongated indentation. In one further embodiment, a cross-section of each groove 75 is generally V-shaped, i.e. exhibits two slantedsurfaces exhibiting an acute angle therebetween. In another further embodiment, a cross- section of each groove 75 is generally check- mark shaped, i.e. exhibits two slanted surfaces 76 exhibiting an acute angle therebetween, with the length of a first slanted surface 76 A being greater than the length of the second slanted surface 76B. In one embodiment, each opening 70 is parabolic shaped. In one further embodiment, each opening 70 is generally U-shaped. The term "U-shaped", as used herein means the shape of the letter U, however the open portion of the letter U can be partially or fully filled. In one embodiment, for each housing member 20, opening 70 extends from first face 21 to second face 22. In another embodiment (not shown), for one or both of housing members 20, opening 70 extends from first face 21 but does not reach second face 22.

[0026] In one embodiment, one or both of housing members 20 further exhibits a hole 23 extending from first face 21 to second face 22. In one further embodiment, where each housing member 20 exhibits a respective hole 23, the diameter of hole 23 of one housing member 20 is greater than the diameter of hole 23 of the other housing member 20. In another embodiment, where each housing member 20 exhibits a respective hole 23, hole 23 of the first housing member 20 faces hole 23 of the second housing member 20. The terms "hole" and "opening" are used herein interchangeably and the use of one term as opposed to the other is not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0027] In another embodiment, at least one of housing members 20 comprises a securing section 80. In one further embodiment, each securing section 80 exhibits a hole 85. Hole 85 is illustrated in one embodiment as extending all the way through securing section 80, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment (not shown), hole 85 only extends partially through securing section 80. In one embodiment, each housing member 20 comprises a respective securing section 80. In another embodiment, for each housing member 20, the respective securing section 80 covers a portion of the respective opening 70.

[0028] In one embodiment, each housing member 20 is parabolic shaped. In one further embodiment, each housing member 20 is generally U-shaped. In another embodiment, each housing member 20 exhibits an edge 26 and an edge extension 27 extending outwards from edge 26. In one further embodiment, for each housing member 20, edge extension 27 extends outwards from along a majority of edge 26.

[0029] In one embodiment, wheel 30 comprises: a circular shaped central member 90 exhibiting a first face 91 and a second face 92, second face 92 opposing first face 91; and one or more extension members 100, each extending from a first end 101 to a second end 102. In one further embodiment, wheel 30 further comprises one or more securing members 110. In one embodiment, circular shaped central member exhibits a circumferential groove 93. The term "circumferential groove", as used herein means that the groove extends along at least a majority of the circumference. In one embodiment, circumferential groove 93 extends along the entirety of the circumference of circular shaped central member 90. In another embodiment, a cross-section of circumferential groove 93 is generally V-shaped. In one embodiment, a cross-section of circumferential groove 93 exhibits a section 94 and a pair of sections 95, each section 95 extending away from section 94 to a respective edge 96. In one further embodiment, the distance between edges 96, i.e. the width of circumferential groove 93, is less that 5 cm and optionally less than 2 cm.

[0030] In one embodiment, a pair of extension members 100 are provided and in another embodiment a single extension member 100 is provided. Each extension member 100 extends, at first end 101 thereof, from a respective face of central member 90 towards the respective second end 102. Particularly, in the embodiment where a pair of extension members 100 are provided, a first extension member 100 extends from face 91 of central member 90 and a second extension member 100 extends from face 91 of central member 90.

[0031] In the embodiment where a pair of extension members 100 are provided, both housing members 20 exhibit opening 70. In another embodiment, the shape of each extension member 100 is complementary to the shape of each groove 75 of a respective opening 70. The term "complementary", as used herein, means that the shapes complement each other such that one shape fits into the other.

[0032] In one embodiment, each extension member 100 comprises a pair of conical frustums 105, each conical frustum 105 extending from a base 106 to a top 107. In one further embodiment, base 106 of a first conical frustum 105 faces base 106 of the second conical frustum 105. In another further embodiment, the face of base 106 of the first conical frustum105 is flush with the face of base 106 of the second conical frustum 105. In another further embodiment, top 107 of the first conical frustum 105 extends away from base 106 of the second conical frustum 105 and top 107 of the second conical frustum 105 extends away from base106 of the first conical frustum 105. In one embodiment, the first conical frustum 105 of eachextension member 100 extends, at top 107 thereof, from central member 90 of wheel 30. In one further embodiment, the first conical frustum 105 of the first extension member 100 extends, at top 107 thereof, from first face 91 of central member 90. Additionally, in such an embodiment the first conical frustum 105 of the second extension member 100 extends, at top 107 thereof, from second face 92 of central member 90.

[0033] In one embodiment, first face 91 of central member 90 faces first face 21 of the first housing member 20 and second face 92 of central member 90 faces first face 21 of the second housing member 20. In another embodiment, the distance between each edge 96 of central member 90 and first face 21 of the respective housing member 20 is less than the thickness of line 40, thus preventing line 40 from inadvertently escaping between wheel 30 and one of the housing members 20. In one embodiment, each edge extension 27 extends over a respective edge 96 of central member 90. In one further embodiment, the distance between each edge 96 of central member 90 and the respective edge extension 27 is less than the thickness of line 40, thus preventing line 40 from inadvertently escaping between wheel 30 and one of the housing members 20.

[0034] Each extension member 100 is positioned within a respective opening 70. In one embodiment, each extension member 100 is positioned within the respective groove 75. Grooves 75 allow wheel 30 to rotate while maintaining its position, since extension members 100 are secured by the respective grooves 75. In an embodiment where only a single extension member 100 is provided, the position of wheel 30 is maintained due to extension member 100 being secured with groove 75 of the respective housing member 20. Advantageously, using extension members 100 to maintain the position of wheel 30 provides superior stability, as opposed to pin-secured prior art wheel apparatuses, by presenting a wide profile extending between securing members 110.

[0035] In one embodiment, where wheel 30 comprises a single extension member 100, wheel 30 similarly comprises a single securing member 110. In another embodiment, where wheel 30 comprises a pair of extension members 100, wheel 30 similarly comprises a pair of securing members 110. In one embodiment, each of the one or more securing members 110 extends from the one or more extension members 100 away from central member 90. In one further embodiment, where wheel 30 comprises a pair of extension members 100, a respective securing member 110 extends from each extension member 100. In one embodiment, where each securing member 110 comprises a pair of conical frustums 105, each securing member110 extends from top 107 of the second conical frustum 105 of the respective extension member 100.

[0036] In one embodiment, each of the one or more securing members 110 is generally circular or ring shaped. In another embodiment, each of the one or more securing members 110 extends from a base 111 to a top 112 thereof, and at least a portion 113 of securing member 110 is slanted from base 111 to top 112 such that the diameter of securing member 110 decreases from base 111 to top 112. In one further embodiment, portion 113 extends along 15 - 25% of the circumference of securing member 110.

[0037] As described above, extension members 100 maintain the position of wheel 30 such that wheel 30 remains in a fixed position in relation to housing members 20, however extension members 100 can still slide down grooves 75 of openings 70. Advantageously, the one or more securing members 110 are secured within hole 85 of the respective securing section 80.

[0038] In one embodiment, line 40 comprises a string, a rope, a chain and / or a cord. In another embodiment, line 40 is composed of plastic, nylon, fabric and / or metal. The term "line", as used herein, means an elongated element of any suitable thickness and composition. Line 40 is positioned within groove 93 of central member 90 of wheel 30.

[0039] In one embodiment, attachment extension 50 exhibits a first face 51 and a second face 52, second face 52 opposing first face 51, and extends from a first end 53 to a second end 54. In another embodiment, attachment extension 50 extends from at least one of housing members 20, at first end 53, towards second end 54. In another embodiment, attachment extension 50 further exhibits a hole 55 extending from first face 51 to second face 52. In one embodiment, attachment extension 50 extends along a plane 120, plane 120 intersecting a plane 130. Plane 130 is defined by first face 91 or second face 92 of central member 90 of wheel 30. In one further embodiment, plane 120 is generally orthogonal to plane 130. In another embodiment, an axis 140 extends through a center of the one or more holes 23 of housing members 20, axis 140 generally parallel to plane 130. Thus, advantageously, wheel apparatus 10 has multiple options for orientation, utilizing either hole / s 23 of housing members 20 or hole 55 of attachment extension 50 for attachment to an external surface.

[0040] Additionally, by allowing different wheel apparatuses 10 to be orientated differently, the direction of line 40 can be altered however desired, in any direction, for example as described below in relation to clothesline assembly 200. Further advantageously, changingthe direction of line 40 is performed within the same plane, i.e. without raising line 40 away from surface to which wheel apparatuses 10 are secured to. Furthermore, no additional friction is added and line 40 arranges itself automatically through the respective wheel apparatuses 10.

[0041] In one embodiment, edges 26 of housing members 20 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. In one further embodiment, each connection member 60 extends from the first housing member 20 to the second housing member 20. In another further embodiment, one or more connection members 60 extends over edges 26 of housing members 20. In another further embodiment, one or more connection members 60 extends through edges 26 of housing members 20. Advantageously, line 40 can extend out between housing members 20 and between any pair of adjacent connection members 60. In one embodiment, where each housing member 20 is generally U-shaped, connection members 60 are not provided across the top of the U shape, thus leaving an open section 150 to allow wheel 30 to be inserted therethrough.

[0042] In one embodiment, wheel 30 is inserted in between housing members 20 by pushing central member 90 of wheel 30 through open section 150, with the one or more extension members 100 being inserted through grooves 75 of openings 70 of housing members 20. In one further embodiment, during insertion wheel 30 is orientated such that each slanted portion 113 of one or more securing members 110 faces the respective securing section 80. As a result, when wheel 30 is inserted, each slanted portion 113 allows the respective securing member 110 to push the respective securing section 80 outwards and be inserted into the respective hole 85.

[0043] As opposed to prior art wheel apparatuses, which have a pin extending through the center thereof, wheel apparatus 10 advantageously needs no such pin. Further advantageously, the lack of a pin, and the lack of the respective securing elements of the pin, allow several wheel apparatuses 10 to placed side by side, with minimal space therebetween. Additionally, securing wheel apparatus 10 through holes 23 of housing members 20 and / or through hole 55 of attachment extension 50, as opposed to a pin extending through the center thereof, causes the forces at the securing point applied by line 40 to be shear forces as opposed to removal forces. Due to the shape of wheel apparatus 10, wet clothing resting on a supported clothesline will pull down at an angle of 45 degrees. As a result, the downward force pulling on wheel apparatus 10 is reduced by 30%. Advantageously, this reduces the chance of removal from the ceiling.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level schematic diagram of a clothesline assembly 200, in accordance with some embodiments. Clothesline assembly 200 comprises: a plurality of wheel apparatuses 10; a pair of lines 40A and 40B; a rod 210 extending from a first end 211 to a second end 212; and an operation mechanism 220. In one embodiment (not shown), operation mechanism 220 comprises a motor. In another embodiment (not shown), operation mechanism 220 comprises a hand-pulled pulley mechanism. Clothesline assembly 200 is illustrated as comprising four wheel apparatuses 10, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0045] A first end of line 40A is connected to first end 211 of rod 210 and a first end of line 40B is connected to second end 212 of rod 210. From first end 211 of rod 210, line 40A extends vertically to a first wheel apparatus 10A. From second end 212 of rod 210, line 40B extends vertically to a second wheel apparatus 10B. From wheel apparatuses 10A and 10B, lines 40A and 40B extend generally horizontally through a third wheel apparatus IOC to a fourth wheel apparatus 10D. Only a portion of wheel apparatus IOC is illustrated for simplicity. From fourth wheel apparatus 10D, lines 40A and 40B extend generally vertically to operation mechanism 220. In operation, operation mechanism 220 pulls and pushes lines 40A and 40B to raise and lower rod 210 for ease of placement of clothing of rod 210.

[0046] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. In particular, the invention has been described with an identification of each powered device by a class, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In an alternative embodiment, all powered device are treated equally, and thus the identification of class with its associated power requirements is not required.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[0048] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification,including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0049] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wheel apparatus comprising: a pair of housing members, at least one of the pair of housing members exhibiting an opening, the opening exhibiting a groove; a wheel; and a line, wherein the wheel comprises: a circularly shaped central member exhibiting a circumferential groove; and at least one extension member extending from the central member, wherein the at least one extension member is positioned in the groove of the opening of the at least one pair of housing members, and wherein the line is situated within the circumferential groove of the central member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the pair of housing members comprises both of the pair of housing members, wherein the at least one extension member comprises a pair of extension members, a first of the pair of extension members extending from a first face of the central member and a second of the pair of extension members extending from a second face of the central member, and wherein a first of the pair of extension members is positioned in the groove of the opening of a first of the pair of housing members and a second of the pair of extension members is positioned in the groove of the opening of a second of the pair of housing members.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the at least one extension member is complementary to the shape of the respective groove it is positioned therein.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one extension member comprises a pair of conical frustums extending in opposing directions, a face of the base of a first of the pair of conical frustums flush with a face of the base of a second of the pair of conical frustums, and wherein a first of the pair of conical frustums extends, at the top thereof, from the central member of the wheel.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of a cross-section of the groove of the at least one of the pair of housing members is generally V-shaped.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening of the at least one of the pair of housing members is generally U-shaped.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the pair of housing members is generally U-shaped.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wheel further comprises at least one securing member, the at least one securing member extending from the at least one extension member away from the central member, wherein the at least one of the pair of housing members comprises a securing section, the at least one securing section exhibiting a hole, and wherein, the at least one securing member is positioned within the hole of the at least one securing section.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, for each of the at least one of the pair of housing members, the securing section covers a portion of the respective opening.

10. The apparatus of claims 8 or 9, wherein, a portion of the at least one securing member exhibits a slanted face, the slanted face facing an inner circumference of the hole of the respective securing section.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an attachment extension, the attachment extension extending from the pair of housing members along a first plane, wherein the attachment extension exhibits a first face and a second face opposing the first face, wherein the attachment extension further exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face, and wherein the first face or second face of the central member of the wheel defines a second plane, the first plane intersecting the second plane.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first plane is generally orthogonal to the second plane.

13. The apparatus of claims 11 or 12, wherein each of the pair of housing members exhibits a first face and a second face opposing the first face, the first face of the first of the pair of housing members facing the first face of the central member of the wheel and the first face of the second of the pair of housing members facing the second face of the central member of the wheel, and wherein the first of the pair of housing members exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second of the pair of housing members exhibits a hole extending from the first face to the second face thereof, the hole of the second of the pair of housing members facing the hole of the first of the pair of housing members.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein an axis extending through a center of the hole of each of the pair of housing members is generally parallel to the first plane.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a plurality of connection members, each connection member extending from the first of the pair of housing members to the second of the pair of housing members.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the pair of housing members exhibits an edge extension at an edge thereof, the edge extensions extending towards each other.

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