Retractable guard assembly for casters

Abstract

Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide a retractable guard assembly (104) coupled to a caster of a mobile device, the retractable guard assembly including a housing (208) and one or more guards (210, 212) disposed at least partially in the housing. The one or more guards are independently movably coupled to the housing. The retractable guard assembly further includes a corresponding one or more biasing elements (330, 332) coupled to the one or more guards and to the housing to bias the one or more guards toward a fully deployed state. Contact between a stationary object and a portion of the one or more guards disposed outside the housing when the one or more guards are in the fully deployed state causes the one or more guards to transition to a retracted state, and when the contact is disengaged, the corresponding one or more biasing elements cause the one or more guards to transition to the fully deployed state.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 217,390, filed July 1, 2021, by Brandon L. Spoelstra, entitled “RETRACTABLE GUARD ASSEMBLIES”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully and completely set forth herein. Background Technology Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to retractable protective device components for connection to casters of mobile devices, such as medical or non-medical equipment.

[0005] Description of related fields

[0006] Many types of equipment (especially medical equipment) have swivel casters, allowing them to be mobile and moved around. For example, this mobility allows medical personnel to move medical equipment around within an operating room, from one operating room to another, or (e.g., using an elevator) from one floor to another. However, in some situations, when equipment rolling on casters (e.g., medical equipment) rolls onto power cables, fluid hoses, and other similar objects, it can become stuck. This is inconvenient for the equipment operator and reduces the equipment's mobility. Furthermore, it can cause the equipment to tip over, damage power cables, trap hoses, and trigger other similar problems.

[0007] In some cases, the purpose of using existing cable guards with casters is to push cables and hoses aside, for example, to prevent equipment from rolling onto them and causing the aforementioned problems. However, existing cable guards can cause some additional and undesirable problems. For instance, some existing cable guards must be removed and stored when equipment moves over fixed obstacles such as thresholds and elevator sills, or non-fixed but difficult-to-move obstacles such as floor mats. However, forcing equipment operators to remove and store cable guards whenever equipment must move over such objects is extremely strenuous for the operator.

[0008] Some other existing cable guards are fixed in place, making them impossible to remove even when the equipment is about to move over a fixed obstacle. As a result, fixed cable guards can get stuck on such obstacles and could cause the equipment to tip over. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure generally relates to retractable protective device components for connection to casters of mobile devices, such as medical or non-medical equipment.

[0010] Specific embodiments disclosed herein provide a retractable protective device assembly for coupling to the casters of a mobile device. The assembly includes a housing and one or more protective devices at least partially disposed within the housing. The one or more protective devices are independently and movably coupled to the housing. The retractable protective device assembly further includes corresponding one or more biasing elements coupled to the one or more protective devices and to the housing to bias the one or more protective devices toward a fully extended state. When the one or more protective devices are in the fully extended state, contact between a fixed object and a portion of the one or more protective devices disposed outside the housing causes the one or more protective devices to retract to a retracted state. When the one or more protective devices are in the retracted state and when the contact is released, the corresponding one or more biasing elements cause the one or more protective devices to retract to the fully extended state. In the fully extended state, the one or more protective devices have a first gap with the ground. In the retracted state, the one or more protective devices have a second gap with the ground, and the second gap is larger than the first gap.

[0011] Specific embodiments disclosed herein provide a caster assembly for a mobile device, the caster assembly including a caster wheel and a retractable protective device assembly coupled to the caster. The retractable protective device assembly includes a housing and one or more protective devices at least partially disposed within the housing. The one or more protective devices are independently and movably coupled to the housing. The retractable protective device assembly further includes corresponding one or more biasing elements coupled to the one or more protective devices and to the housing to bias the one or more protective devices toward a fully extended state. When the one or more protective devices are in the fully extended state, contact between a fixed object and a portion of the one or more protective devices disposed outside the housing causes the one or more protective devices to retract to a retracted state. When the one or more protective devices are in the retracted state and when the contact is released, the corresponding one or more biasing elements cause the one or more protective devices to retract to the fully extended state. In the fully extended state, the one or more protective devices have a first gap with the ground. In the retracted state, the one or more protective devices have a second gap with the ground, and the second gap is larger than the first gap.

[0012] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain illustrative features of one or more embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings depict certain aspects of one or more embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 A medical device comprising a four-caster assembly is shown according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2A Certain embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A side view of a caster assembly, which includes a retractable protective device assembly in an extended state.

[0016] Figure 2B Certain embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 2A A 3D view of the caster assembly.

[0017] Figure 2C Certain embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of a caster assembly, which includes a retractable guard assembly, wherein the front guard is in a retracted state.

[0018] Figure 3A Certain embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figures 2A to 2C Exploded view of the caster assembly.

[0019] Figures 3B to 3C The possible dimensions shown are illustrated in cross-section of an embodiment of a caster assembly according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4A An internal side view of the front and rear protective devices in an deployed state, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0021] Figure 4B The retracted state of certain embodiments according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 4A An internal side view of the front protective device.

[0022] Figures 5A to 5D Certain embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 4A The movement of the front protective device during contact with a stationary object and subsequently during movement on the stationary object.

[0023] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to denote common elements in the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously combined with those of other embodiments without further description. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Specific embodiments of this disclosure provide retractable protective device assemblies that can be used in conjunction with the casters of mobile devices. While the embodiments below describe retractable protective device assemblies mounted on casters and used in conjunction with medical devices such as ophthalmic surgical consoles, those skilled in the art will understand that the retractable protective device assemblies described herein can be used with a wide variety of medical and non-medical devices. Examples of such medical devices include surgical and non-surgical consoles, diagnostic equipment, hospital beds, hospital trolleys, stretchers, IV (intravenous injection) poles, and other mobile medical devices. Examples of non-medical devices include any mobile electrical and / or mechanical device and accessories with casters.

[0025] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a caster with a retractable protective device assembly that retracts itself when the corresponding caster wheel encounters a fixed object. This self-retracting protective device assembly allows mobile devices to move easily over fixed objects without user intervention. Furthermore, the retractable protective device assembly disclosed herein retracts only upon contact with an object that exerts a reaction force sufficiently large to satisfy a threshold condition (the corresponding protective device of the retractable protective device assembly). This mechanism allows the retractable protective device assembly to push loose objects out of the path of the corresponding caster wheel to prevent the caster wheel from getting stuck on a loose object, while allowing the caster wheel to move over a fixed object. Additionally, the retractable protective device assembly disclosed herein is designed (e.g., when the mobile device is lowered or manipulated up and down along a ledge) to yield to a fixed object approaching from any direction (including from the front, rear, or below).

[0026] Figure 1 A medical device 100 is shown, comprising four caster assemblies 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d (not shown). As illustrated, each caster assembly 102 includes casters (e.g., casters ... Figure 3A The caster shown is 303, which has a rotatable caster wheel (“caster wheel”) 101 and a caster lock toehold 106. Pressing the caster lock toehold 106 to make it contact the ground generates friction that prevents the corresponding caster wheel 101 from rotating.

[0027] Each caster assembly 102 also includes a retractable protective device assembly 104, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, each retractable protective device assembly 104 is mounted on the corresponding caster during the manufacturing process. (As opposed to...) Figures 2A to 2CFurthermore, each retractable protective device assembly 104 includes one or more protective devices that are movable relative to each other and independently of the caster assembly 102. These protective devices are configured to push objects (such as cables, hoses, and other similar objects) aside when deployed. In the deployed state, these protective devices have a certain clearance from the ground to allow the medical device 100 to move around. However, this clearance (e.g., the distance between the bottom of the protective device and the ground) is configured such that the protective device can still contact and push aside cables, hoses, and other similar objects. When one or more protective devices contact an object not intended to be pushed aside, the corresponding protective device retracts, creating a larger clearance from the ground, allowing the medical device 100 to move easily over fixed objects (e.g., obstacles) such as thresholds and elevator sills, as well as other difficult-to-move obstacles such as floor mats. Note that in some embodiments, any difficult-to-move obstacle can be considered a fixed object. As used herein, the term "fixed object" refers to any object over which a sufficiently large force is applied to at least one protective device to cause the protective device to retract.

[0028] Figure 2A Demonstrates some embodiments Figure 1 A side view of a caster assembly 102, which includes a retractable protective device assembly 104 in an extended state. Figure 2B A perspective view of a caster assembly 102 according to some embodiments is shown, the caster assembly including a retractable protective device assembly 104 in an extended state. Figure 2C A perspective view of a caster assembly 102 according to some embodiments is shown, the caster assembly including a retractable protective device assembly 104, wherein the front protective device 210a is in a retracted state. Figures 2A to 2C The caster assembly 102 shown can be Figure 1 Any one of caster assemblies 102a, 102b, 102c, or 102d. For clarity, this document will... Figures 2A to 2C Describe them together.

[0029] Retractable protective device assembly 104 is mounted on the caster (in Figure 3A The caster shown is 303, which includes a caster wheel 101 and a caster locking bracket 106, among other components. The retractable protective device assembly 104 includes a housing 208, a front protective device 210, a rear protective device 212, a collar 216, screws 218, and... Figure 3A Other components are shown in more detail below. Housing 208 includes two housing parts 209a and 209b. Figure 2A Only housing part 209a is shown in the diagram, while... Figure 2B and Figure 2CHousing component 209b is partially shown. Housing components 209a and 209b are joined together using screws 218a-218c. Housing components 209a and 209b are indirectly joined together via collar 216. Housing component 209a is connected to collar 216 using screw 218d, and housing component 209b is connected to collar 216 using screw 218e. Front guard 210 and rear guard 212 are at least partially disposed within housing 208. Figures 2A to 2C In this configuration, only the portions of the front guard 210 and rear guard 212 located on the exterior of the housing 208 are visible. As shown, the front guards 210a and 210b are symmetrically positioned such that a front guard is present on each side of the caster wheel 101. The rear guards 212a and 212b are also symmetrically positioned such that a rear guard is present on each side of the caster wheel 101.

[0030] As described above, in the deployed state, the front protective device 210 and the rear protective device 212 provide a minimum clearance from the ground to allow the medical device 100 to move around, while also pushing aside any objects such as cables. The front protective device 210 and the rear protective device 212 are in the fully deployed state (in... Figure 2B When (as shown in the image), the fixed object 214 (in...) Figure 2C (As shown in the diagram) Contact between a portion of either the front protective device 210 or the rear protective device 212 disposed outside the housing 208 causes the corresponding protective device to retract into a retracted state. Note that because the protective devices can move independently of each other, any one of the four protective devices can retract while the others remain deployed. For example, as... Figure 2C As shown, the front protective devices 210a and 210b are in the retracted state, while the rear protective devices 212a and 212b remain in the deployed state. Figure 2C In the middle section, compared to the rear protective devices 212a and 212b, the front protective devices 210a and 210b have a larger clearance from the ground. Furthermore, compared to the front protective devices 210a and 210b in their fully deployed state (in... Figure 2B Compared to (as shown in the diagram), the front protective devices 210a and 210b in the retracted state (in...) Figure 2C (As shown in the image) It has a larger gap with the ground.

[0031] When the current protective device 210 is in the retracted state (in Figure 2C (as shown in the diagram) and when contact with the fixed object 214 is released, the corresponding protective device automatically deploys or transitions back to the fully deployed state (as shown in the diagram). Figure 2B(As shown in the diagram). Although the rear protective device 212 is only shown in the fully deployed state, it is functionally similar to the front protective device 210. The transition to the fully deployed state is caused by corresponding biasing elements that bias or preload each protective device toward the fully deployed state, as shown below relative to... Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figures 4A to 4B More details to follow.

[0032] Figure 3A Demonstrates certain embodiments Figures 2A to 2C An exploded view of the caster assembly 102. As shown, the cover 320b is connected to the housing 209b using screws 322. Screws 322a-322d are configured to be inserted in sequence into corresponding openings in the cover 320b and corresponding threaded holes in the housing 209b. When screws 322a-322d are inserted into all such openings, they hold the cover 320b and housing 209b together such that the front guard 210b and rear guard 212b are at least partially disposed in the housing and movably connected between the cover 320b and housing 209b. The cover 320a is functionally similar to the cover 320b. The cover 320a is connected to the housing 209a using screws 321. Screws 321a-321d are configured to be inserted in sequence into corresponding openings in the cover 320a and corresponding threaded holes in the housing 209a. When screws 321a-321d are inserted into all such openings, screws 321a-321d hold the cover 320a and housing part 209a together, such that the front guard 210a and the rear guard 212a are at least partially disposed in the housing and movably connected between the cover 320a and the housing part 209a.

[0033] As shown, the front protective device 210b has: a lower groove 311b corresponding to the lower pin 326b of the housing member 209b; and an upper groove 313b corresponding to the upper pin 328b of the housing member 209b. When the cover 320b is attached to the housing member 209b, the lower pin 326b is disposed in the lower groove 311b, and the upper pin 328b is disposed in the upper groove 313b. A first contact interface between the perimeter of the lower groove 311b and the corresponding lower pin 326b, and a second contact interface between the perimeter of the upper groove 313b and the corresponding upper pin 328b, limit the range of motion and guide the movement of the front protective device 210b, as shown below relative to Figure 4A and Figure 4B More details to follow.

[0034] The rear protective device 212b is functionally similar to the front protective device 210b. The rear protective device 212b has: a lower groove 315b corresponding to the lower pin 327b of the housing member 209b; and an upper groove 317b corresponding to the upper pin 329b of the housing member 209b. When the cover 320b is attached to the housing member 209b, the lower pin 327b is disposed in the lower groove 315b, and the upper pin 329b is disposed in the upper groove 317b. The front protective device 210a and the rear protective device 212a are functionally similar to the front protective device 210b and the rear protective device 212b. The front protective device 210a has: a lower pin 326a corresponding to the lower pin 327b of the housing member 209a (e.g., ... Figure 4A The lower groove 311a corresponds to the lower pin 327a of the housing 209a (as shown); and the upper groove 313a corresponds to the upper pin 328a of the housing 209a. When the cover 320a is attached to the housing 209a, the lower pin 326a is disposed in the lower groove 311a, and the upper pin 328a is disposed in the upper groove 313a. The rear protective device 212a has: a lower pin 327a corresponding to the lower pin 327a of the housing 209a (as shown); and an upper groove 313a corresponding to the upper pin 328a of the housing 209a. Figure 4A The lower groove 315a corresponds to the upper pin 329a of the housing 209a; and the upper groove 317a corresponds to the upper pin 329a of the housing 209a. When the cover 320a is connected to the housing 209a, the lower pin 327a is provided in the lower groove 315a and the upper pin 329a is provided in the upper groove 317a.

[0035] As shown, lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b are vertically spaced from upper pins 328a, 328b, 329a, and 329b, meaning that lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b can be closer to the ground than upper pins 328a, 328b, 329a, and 329b. As shown, lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b, as well as upper pins 328a, 328b, 329a, and 329b, extend inward from the respective housing members 209a-209b and are positioned on an axis parallel to the ground surface (e.g., an axis passing through all openings in the cover and perpendicular to the outer surface of the caster wheel 101). Furthermore, the lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b are longer than the upper pins 328a, 328b, 329a, and 329b to engage with the corresponding covers 320a-320b connected to the corresponding housing parts 209a-209b, as described below. After the lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b are inserted through the corresponding slots 311a, 311b, 315a, and 315b, the lower pins 326a, 326b, 327a, and 327b are further inserted into the corresponding openings of the covers 320a-320b. The front protective device 210a and the rear protective device 212a are thus movably locked between the housing part 209a and the opposite cover 320a, and similarly, the front protective device 210b and the rear protective device 212b are movably locked between the housing part 209b and the opposite cover 320b. The front guard 210 and rear guard 212 are oriented longitudinally, substantially perpendicular to the ground surface. Movement of the guards is substantially confined to a vertical plane (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the ground surface). The range of motion of each guard is limited to the area defined by the contact between each slot and the corresponding pin, as shown below relative to… Figure 4A and Figure 4B More details to follow.

[0036] As shown, the biasing element 330b is configured such that its lower end is connected to the lower pin 326b, and its upper end is connected to the hook 334b ​​of the front guard 210b. The lower end of each biasing element refers to the end closer to the ground. The upper end of each biasing element refers to the end farther from the ground. The biasing element 330b biases the upper end of the front guard 210b in the direction of the lower pin 326b. Because the lower pin 326b is fixed to the housing 209b, the front guard 210b is biased downwards to the fully deployed state (in... Figure 2B(As shown in the diagram). Bias element 332b is functionally similar to bias element 330b. Bias element 332b is configured such that its lower end is connected to lower pin 327b, and its upper end is connected to hook 336b of rear guard 212b. Bias elements 330a and 332a are functionally similar to bias elements 330b and 332b. Bias element 330a is configured such that its lower end is connected to lower pin 326a, and its upper end is connected to hook 334a of front guard 210a. Bias element 332a is configured such that its lower end is connected to lower pin 327a, and its upper end is connected to hook 336a of rear guard 212a.

[0037] The components held together by screws 321a-321d and by screws 322a-322d are configured to be joined together by threading housing 209a to housing 209b using screws 218a-218c. Screws 218a-218c are configured to be inserted in sequence into corresponding openings in housing 209a and corresponding threaded holes in housing 209b. When housing 209a and housing 209b are joined together and mounted on corresponding casters, collar 216 is joined to the assembled housing using screws 218d-218e and corresponding nuts 319d-319e.

[0038] Figures 3B to 3C The possible dimensions shown are illustrated in cross-section of an embodiment of a caster assembly according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3C Showing in such Figure 3B The cross-section taken at point A as indicated. Figure 3CIn the cross-section shown, screws 322a-d and biasing elements 330b and 332b have been removed for clarity. In some embodiments, the distance 350 between the centerline and the upper pin 329b can be approximately in the range of 0.4 inches to 1.4 inches, for example, 0.9 inches. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance 352 between the upper pin 329b and the left radial configuration of the rear guard 312b can be approximately in the range of 0.05 inches to 0.7 inches, for example, 0.344 inches. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance 354 between the upper pin 329b and the right radial configuration of the rear guard 312b can be approximately in the range of 0.25 inches to 0.8 inches, for example, 0.549 inches. In some embodiments, the distance 356 between the upper pin 329b and the lower pin 327b can be approximately in the range of 1.2 inches to 2.25 inches, for example, 1.770 inches. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 358 between the upper pin 329b and the right radial configuration of the rear guard 312b can be approximately in the range of 0.3 inches to 0.9 inches, for example, 0.594 inches. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 360 ​​between the upper pin 329b and the left radial configuration of the rear guard 312b can be approximately in the range of 0.3 inches to 0.9 inches, for example, 0.568 inches. In some embodiments, the length 362 of the slot 315b can be approximately in the range of 0.25 inches to 1.0 inch, for example, 0.650 inches. In some embodiments, the width 364 of the slot 315b can be approximately in the range of 0.05 inches to 0.4 inches, for example, 0.180 inches. In some embodiments, the angle 366 between the centerline and the line passing through the center of the slot 315b and the upper pin 329b can be approximately in the range of 5 degrees to 25 degrees, for example, 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 368 between the bottom of the left-right radial configuration and the bottom of the rear guard 312b can be approximately in the range of 1 inch to 4 inches, for example, 2.367 inches. In some embodiments, the wheel diameter 370 can be approximately in the range of 3 inches to 7 inches, for example, 4.921 inches. While several exemplary dimensions have been provided above, it should be understood that other dimensions may also be considered. For example, if the wheel diameter is smaller or larger than the dimensions described above, the dimensions can be appropriately scaled to accommodate different wheel sizes. Furthermore, other angles and dimensions also apply to the casters described herein, and the examples above are not intended to be limiting but rather illustrative of possible caster embodiments.

[0039] Figure 4A An internal side view of the front protective device 210a, the rear protective device 212a, and the housing 209a is shown. Figure 4AIn the middle, the front protective device 210a and the rear protective device 212a are in the fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the lower pins 326a and 327a are positioned at the upper end of each of the lower slots 311a and 315a. Furthermore, in the fully deployed state, the upper pins 328a and 329a (these upper pins are not visible because they are located...) Figure 4A The corresponding biasing elements 330a and 332a are positioned at the upper end of each of the upper slots 313a and 317a. The upper end of each slot refers to the end farther from the ground. The lower end of each slot refers to the end closer to the ground. As shown, the body 440a of the front protective device 210a has: a first end 442a disposed within the perimeter of the housing member 209a; and a second end 444a disposed outside the perimeter of the housing member 209a. The perimeter of the housing member 209a refers to the area inside the housing member 209a when viewed from the side. In the fully deployed state, the front protective device 210a has a minimum first gap with the ground. The gap with the ground refers to the distance from the ground to the second end 444a, wherein this distance is measured perpendicular to the ground surface.

[0040] The body 440a has sidewalls 446a extending at least partially around the perimeter of the body 440a. Sidewalls 446a refer to protruding portions of the body 440a that define a cavity 448a between opposing portions of the sidewalls 446a. The body 440a has a leading edge 454a formed along the sidewalls 446a at a portion outside the perimeter of the housing member 209a. The leading edge refers to the outward-facing portion of each protective device, configured to make initial contact with an object when the medical device 100 moves around via the caster assembly 102. The leading edge 454a is perpendicular to the ground surface to provide a larger surface area for the protective device 210a to contact the object from the front. In some other embodiments, the leading edge 454a is not perpendicular to the ground surface. In some embodiments, the leading edge 454a has a surface profile (e.g., a horizontal or vertical ridge, a grid pattern, or any suitable surface texture) to increase friction between the leading edge 454a and the contacting object and to prevent slippage.

[0041] The body 440a has an outer surface 450a on one side (e.g., as shown, on the side closer to the housing member 209a) that encloses an inner cavity 448a. The outer surface 450a extends between opposing portions of the sidewall 446a. A lower groove 311a and an upper groove 313a are defined in the outer surface 450a. A hook 334a is provided at a first end 442a of the body 440a. The upper end of a biasing element 330a is fitted around the hook 334a to engage the biasing element 330a to the front guard 210a. A notch 452a is formed through the sidewall 446a at the first end 442a of the body 440a. The notch 452a provides an opening for the biasing element 330b to extend through the sidewall 446a for engagement with the hook 334a. As shown, the biasing element 330a is fitted within the inner cavity 448a. The lower end of the bias element 330a is assembled around the lower pin 326a to connect the bias element 330a to the housing 209a.

[0042] The rear protective device 212a, the front protective device 210b, and the rear protective device 212b are each similar in construction and arrangement to the front protective device 210a. For example, referring to the rear protective device 212a (e.g. Figure 4AAs shown, the body 441a of the rear protective device 212a has: a first end 443a disposed within the perimeter of the housing member 209a; and a second end 445a disposed outside the perimeter of the housing member 209a. The body 441a has a sidewall 447a extending at least partially around the perimeter of the body 441a. The body 441a has a leading edge 455a formed along the sidewall 447a, located outside the perimeter of the housing member 209a. The leading edge 455a is perpendicular to the ground surface to provide a larger surface area for an object to contact the rear protective device 212a from behind. In some other embodiments, the leading edge 455a is not perpendicular to the ground surface. In some embodiments, the leading edge 455a has a surface profile (e.g., a horizontal or vertical ridge, a grid pattern, or any suitable surface texture) to increase friction between the leading edge 455a and the contacting object and prevent slippage. As shown behind the bias element 332a, the body 441a has an outer surface 451a that encloses the cavity 449a on one side (e.g., as shown, on the side near the housing member 209a). The outer surface 451a extends between opposing portions of the sidewall 447a. A lower groove 315a and an upper groove 317a are defined in the outer surface 451a. A hook 336a is provided at a first end 443a of the body 441a. The upper end of the bias element 332a is fitted around the hook 336a to engage the bias element 332a to the rear guard 212a. A notch 453a is formed through the sidewall 447a at the first end 443a of the body 441a. The notch 453a provides an opening for the bias element 332b to extend through the sidewall 447a for engagement with the hook 336a. As shown, the bias element 332a is fitted within the cavity 449a. The lower end of the bias element 332a is assembled around the lower pin 327a to connect the bias element 332a to the housing 209a.

[0043] Figure 4B An internal side view of the front protective device 210a, the rear protective device 212a, and the housing 209a is shown. Figure 4B In the middle, the rear protective device 212a remains in the fully deployed state, while the front protective device 210a has been transformed into the retracted state. As shown, the front protective device 210a is in the fully retracted state. Note that in some embodiments, any state other than the fully deployed state can be considered as a retracted state or a partially retracted state. Such a state can also be considered as a partially deployed state. As shown, contact between a portion of the front protective device 210a disposed outside the housing 209a (e.g., leading edge 454a or second end 444a) and the fixed object 214 causes the front protective device 210a to transform into the retracted state. In the fully retracted state, the lower pin 326a is positioned at the lower end of the lower groove 311a, and the upper pin 328a (which is located at...) Figure 4BThe rear of the biasing element 330a is positioned at the lower end of the upper groove 313a. In the retracted state, the front protective device 210a rotates upward against the downward biasing force of the biasing element 330a. In the retracted state, the front protective device 210a has a second gap with the ground, which is greater than... Figure 4A The first gap is shown. Figure 4B The image shows the front protective device in its fully retracted state, with the second gap at its maximum value. In the retracted state, the biasing element 330a is extended compared to the same biasing element in its deployed state. Figure 4B As shown, bias element 330a is also an extension compared to bias element 332a. The following will discuss its relationship with... Figures 5A to 5D The retraction of the front protective device 210a is described in more detail.

[0044] Figures 5A to 5D The movement of the front protective device 210a relative to the lower pin 326a and upper pin 328a is shown during contact with a fixed object 214 and subsequently during movement on that fixed object. For clarity, from Figures 5A to 5D All other components of the caster assembly 102 are omitted, except for the caster wheel 101, which is shown in dashed lines. (See also...) Figure 5A As shown, caster wheel 101 is positioned on the left side of fixed object 214, and front guard 210 is in a fully extended state. In the fully extended state, lower pin 326a is positioned at the upper end of lower groove 311a, and upper pin 328a is positioned at the upper end of upper groove 313a. Front guard 210a is centered relative to upper pin 328a because the shape of front guard 210a, combined with the shape of upper groove 313a converging at the upper end, is offset downwards.

[0045] like Figure 5B As shown, caster wheel 101 has moved close to the fixed object 214, and front guard 210a has switched to the first retracted state. Note that in Figure 5BIn the position shown, the caster wheel 101 remains spaced from the fixed object 214. As shown, the leading edge 454a of the front guard 210a contacts the left side 214a of the fixed object 214. Movement (e.g., retraction) of the front guard 210a is guided in the first part by contact between the perimeter of the lower groove 311a and the corresponding lower pin 326a, and in the second part by contact between the perimeter of the upper groove 313a and the corresponding upper pin 328a. The lower groove 311a has a linear shape and is configured to restrict the translational movement of the front guard 210a to only two directions. In other words, the width of the lower groove 311a is approximately the same as the diameter of the lower pin 326a, such that the lower pin 326a can only move in two directions (e.g., up and down) within the lower groove 311a. In contrast to the lower groove 311a, the upper groove 313a has a non-linear shape and is configured to allow translational movement of the front guard 210a in any direction. In other words, the width and length of the upper groove 313a are both greater than the diameter of the upper pin 328a, allowing the upper pin 328a to move within the upper groove 313a in any direction (e.g., up, down, left, and right). As shown, the upper groove 313a is triangular. Alternatively, the upper groove 313a can be square, rectangular, circular, or any other suitable non-linear shape.

[0046] The movement of the upper groove 313a relative to the upper pin 328a in any direction allows the lower groove 311a to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the lower pin 326a, in addition to translating along its longitudinal axis. Therefore, when the front guard 210a contacts the left side 214a of the fixed object 214 at its leading edge 454a, a lateral force is applied to the front guard 210a, causing the front guard 210a and the lower groove 311a to rotate clockwise about the longitudinal axis of the lower pin 326a. This rotation causes the left side of the sidewall 446a (which corresponds to the perimeter of the groove 313a) to translate and contact the upper pin 328a. The shape of the upper groove 313a (which diverges downwards) and the complementary angle of the sidewall 446a cause the front guard 210a to move upwards, thereby translating the lower groove 311a to contact the lower pin 326a, as shown.

[0047] like Figure 5C As shown, caster wheel 101 has moved to contact the fixed object 214, and front guard 210a has changed to the second retracted state, with... Figure 5B Compared to the first retracted state, the front protective device in the second retracted state has a larger gap with the ground. Figure 5C In the middle, the caster wheel 101 contacts the edge connecting side 214a and the top surface 214b of the fixed object 214. (Comparison) Figure 5B and Figure 5CAs the left side of the sidewall 446a continues to translate and contact the upper pin 328a, and the lower groove 311a continues to translate and contact the lower pin 326a, a lateral force is continuously applied to the front protective device 210a, causing the front protective device 210a and the lower groove 311a to continue rotating clockwise around the longitudinal axis of the lower pin 326a, which causes the front protective device 210a to continue moving upward. Figure 5C As shown, the front guard 210a is completely disposed within the perimeter of the caster wheel 101. Therefore, for the depicted movement of the caster wheel 101 on the fixed object 214, the retraction of the front guard 210a is at its maximum.

[0048] like Figure 5D As shown, caster wheel 101 has moved onto the top surface 214b of the fixed object 214, and front guard 210a has been rotated to the fully extended state. Although not shown, after caster wheel 101 initially moves onto the top surface 214b of the fixed object 214, the second end 444a of the front guard 210a moves to contact the top surface 214b. At this point, the lateral force applied to the front guard 210a is removed. Instead, a vertical force is applied to the second end 444a, holding the front guard 210a in the retracted state. The continued movement of caster wheel 101 along the top surface 214b provides a larger gap between the second end 444a of the front guard 210a and the top surface 214b of the fixed object 214, thereby allowing the front guard 210a to rotate to the fully extended state. Figure 5D The fully extended state is shown. Although not shown, as the caster wheel 101 moves away from the fixed object 214 and returns to the ground surface, the continuous movement of the caster wheel 101 in the direction shown may cause the rear guard 212b to contact the right side of the fixed object 214. In some examples, the rear edge of the rear guard 212a opposite to the leading edge 455a or the second end 445a of the rear guard 212a (in...) Figures 4A to 4B (As shown in the figure) can contact the right side of the fixed object 214, thereby causing the rear protective device 212a to change to the third retracted state.

[0049] Although not shown in operation, the rear protective device 212a (in) Figures 4A to 4B The structure and function of the rear protective device 212a (shown in the diagram) are mirrored in that of the front protective device 210a, enabling the rear protective device 212a to yield to the force of the front protective device 210a. Figures 5A to 5DThe image shows a fixed object approaching in opposite directions. In such an example, when the rear guard 212a contacts the right side of the fixed object 214 at its leading edge 455a, a lateral force is applied to the rear guard 212a, causing the rear guard 212a and the lower groove 315a to rotate counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the lower pin 327a. The rotation of the rear guard 212a causes the right side of the sidewall 447a (which corresponds to the perimeter of the groove 317a) to translate into contact with the upper pin 329a. The shape of the upper groove 317a (which diverges in the downward direction) and the complementary angle of the sidewall 447a cause the rear guard 212a to move upward, thereby causing the lower groove 315a to translate into contact with the lower pin 327a.

[0050] Accordingly, some embodiments described herein provide retractable protective device assemblies that can be used in conjunction with the casters of a device. When the device is moving, the retractable protective device assembly can be deployed to push aside objects such as cables and hoses. The retractable protective device assembly can also be retracted when the device is moving over fixed obstacles such as thresholds and elevator sills, or non-fixed but difficult-to-move obstacles such as floor mats.

[0051] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the claims are not intended to limit themselves to the embodiments shown herein, but are given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A retractable protective device assembly for the casters of a mobile device, the retractable protective device assembly comprising: case; One or more protective devices, said one or more protective devices being at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein said one or more protective devices are independently and movably coupled to the housing; and One or more corresponding biasing elements, which are coupled to the one or more protective devices and to the housing, to bias the one or more protective devices toward a fully deployed state, wherein... When the one or more protective devices are in the fully deployed state, contact between the fixed object and a portion of the one or more protective devices located outside the housing causes the one or more protective devices to retract into the retracted state. When the one or more protective devices are in the retracted state and when the contact is released, the corresponding one or more biasing elements cause the one or more protective devices to transition to the fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the one or more protective devices have a first gap with the ground. In the retracted state, the one or more protective devices have a second gap with the ground, and The second gap is larger than the first gap; Each of the one or more protective devices includes: A first groove, the first groove corresponding to a first pin of the housing; and The second groove corresponds to the second pin of the housing, wherein the range of motion of the one or more protective devices is limited to the area defined by the first contact between the first groove and the corresponding first pin and the second contact between the second groove and the corresponding second pin; Each of the one or more protective devices further includes: The body has a first end disposed within the housing and a second end disposed outside the housing, the body comprising: Sidewalls that define an inner cavity; An outer surface enclosing the inner cavity on one side, wherein the outer surface defines the first groove and the second groove; and A hook, located at a first end of the body, is configured to connect one or more corresponding biasing elements to one or more protective devices.

2. The retractable protective device assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The sidewall includes a notch located at a first end of the body, wherein one or more corresponding biasing elements are fitted within the cavity and extend through the notch to engage with the hook.

3. The retractable protective device assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The first slot is configured to allow translational movement of the one or more protective devices in any direction, and the second slot is configured to restrict the translational movement of the one or more protective devices to only two directions.

4. The retractable protective device assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The transition of the one or more protective devices to the retracted state is guided by a first contact between the periphery of the first groove and the corresponding first pin, and a second contact between the periphery of the second groove and the corresponding second pin. During the transition to the retracted state, the second slot rotates about the longitudinal axis of the second pin and translates along the first axis in the first direction, and During the transition to the retracted state, the first slot translates in a second direction, including translating along the first axis in a first portion and along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in a second portion.

5. The retractable protective device assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the one or more protective devices are in the fully deployed state, the first pin is positioned at the first upper end of the corresponding first slot, and the second pin is positioned at the second upper end of the corresponding second slot. When the one or more protective devices are in the fully retracted state, the first pin is positioned at the first lower end of the corresponding first groove, and the second pin is positioned at the second lower end of the corresponding second groove.

6. The retractable protective device assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In the fully deployed state, the one or more protective devices are configured to push objects aside as the mobile device moves, and In the retracted state, the second gap provides sufficient distance from the ground to allow the mobile device to move over a fixed object.

7. The retractable protective device assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more protective devices include two pairs of protective devices positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the wheel of the caster.

8. A caster assembly for a mobile device, the caster assembly comprising: Casters, the casters including caster wheels; A retractable protective device assembly, connected to the caster, includes: case; One or more protective devices, said one or more protective devices being at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein said one or more protective devices are independently and movably coupled to the housing; and One or more corresponding biasing elements, which are coupled to the one or more protective devices and to the housing, to bias the one or more protective devices toward a fully deployed state, wherein... When the one or more protective devices are in the fully deployed state, contact between the fixed object and a portion of the one or more protective devices located outside the housing causes the one or more protective devices to retract into the retracted state. When the one or more protective devices are in the retracted state and when the contact is released, the corresponding one or more biasing elements cause the one or more protective devices to transition to the fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the one or more protective devices have a first gap with the ground. In the retracted state, the one or more protective devices have a second gap with the ground, and The second gap is larger than the first gap; Each of the one or more protective devices includes: A first groove, the first groove corresponding to a first pin of the housing; and The second groove corresponds to the second pin of the housing, wherein the range of motion of the one or more protective devices is limited to the area defined by the first contact between the first groove and the corresponding first pin and the second contact between the second groove and the corresponding second pin; Each of the one or more protective devices further includes: The body has a first end disposed within the housing and a second end disposed outside the housing, the body comprising: Sidewalls that define an inner cavity; An outer surface enclosing the inner cavity on one side, wherein the outer surface defines the first groove and the second groove; and A hook, located at a first end of the body, is configured to connect one or more corresponding biasing elements to one or more protective devices.

9. The caster assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The first slot is configured to allow translational movement of the one or more protective devices in any direction, and the second slot is configured to restrict the translational movement of the one or more protective devices to only two directions.

10. The caster assembly of claim 8, wherein, The transition of the one or more protective devices to the retracted state is guided by a first contact between the periphery of the first groove and the corresponding first pin, and a second contact between the periphery of the second groove and the corresponding second pin. During the transition to the retracted state, the second slot rotates about the longitudinal axis of the second pin and translates along the first axis in the first direction, and During the transition to the retracted state, the first slot translates in a second direction, including translating along the first axis in a first portion and along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in a second portion.

11. The caster assembly of claim 8, wherein, In the fully deployed state, the one or more protective devices are configured to push objects aside as the mobile device moves, and In the retracted state, the second gap provides sufficient distance from the ground to allow the mobile device to move over a fixed object.

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