Single-action brakes and turn locks for casters

Abstract

A caster includes a mounting base, a housing, corner members rotatable about a rotation axis and relative to the housing, fork-shaped members spaced apart on the lateral sides of the corner members, a wheel assembly disposed between the fork-shaped members, a rotation locking ring disposed in the corner members, and a brake member having a bridging portion and a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion projecting in a direction away from the bridging portion. The bridging portion has an outwardly extending rack. The first plunger portion and the second plunger portion project from the bridging portion in a direction opposite to the rack and have brake blocks. A brake lever arm is pivotally connected to the housing and is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An engagement pin extends through the interior of the housing and the corner members and has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the brake lever arm, and the second end abuts against the bridging portion of the brake member.

Description

[0001] Relevant application data This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 621170, filed January 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Background Technology and Summary of the Invention This disclosure relates to a caster with an actuator configured to provide actuation of a brake lock and a turn lock with a single actuation. For example, in one configuration, the caster has a brake lever arm that allows the brake lock and the turn lock to be engaged or disengaged simultaneously. Depending on the application, the turn lock portion of the caster can have two configurations. In one configuration, the turn lock can be configured to engage such that the caster can be in an angular orientation relative to its axis of rotation. In another configuration, the turn lock can be configured to engage such that the caster can be in one of several angular orientations relative to its axis of rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary caster.

[0004] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the casters.

[0005] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another exploded view of the caster.

[0006] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the casters, with the corner pieces of the casters removed to show additional details.

[0007] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the casters, with the threaded guards removed to show additional details.

[0008] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the caster, with the top plate, kingpin, housing, bearing, swivel locking ring, and axle assembly removed to show additional details.

[0009] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the caster, with the top plate, kingpin, housing, and bearings removed to show additional details.

[0010] Figure 8 yes Figure 1A side cross-sectional view of the caster, with the top plate, kingpin, housing, and corner fittings removed to show additional details.

[0011] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Another embodiment of the caster, wherein the corner piece of the caster is removed to show additional details of the rotating locking ring and brake.

[0012] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a threaded protective cover with a brake element, wherein the brake element is shown in cross-section.

[0013] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a threaded protective cover without a braking element.

[0014] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the brake mechanism of the caster.

[0015] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the brake mechanism of the caster.

[0016] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A front view of the brake of a caster, wherein the brake block of the brake is pivoted in place to engage with the brake ring (shown in dashed lines) of the wheel assembly of the caster.

[0017] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A front view of the brake of the caster, wherein the brake block of the brake is pivoted in the appropriate position before engaging with the brake ring (shown in dashed lines) of the wheel assembly of the caster. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The exemplary caster 20 is configured to provide actuation of both the brake lock and the turn lock with a single actuation. (Reference) Figures 1 to 7 The caster 20 has a mounting base 22 configured to attach the caster to an object from which it will move. The mounting base 22 can be a top plate as shown, or it can be a rod. The mounting base 22 can be configured to attach to an object from which the caster will move, as needed. For example, in a mounting base 22 configured as a top plate, the top plate can have multiple holes configured to receive mechanical fasteners for attaching the caster to the object. In a rod configuration, the rod can be threaded for attachment to the object, or knurled for press-fitting with the object.

[0019] The caster may have a housing 24. The housing 24 may support a brake lever arm 26 and a brake pedal 28. The brake lever arm 26 and brake pedal 28 may be pivotally connected to the housing 24. The brake pedal 28 and brake lever arm 26 may operably actuate the brake lock and turn lock of the caster. Alternatively, the housing may support a hollow rod including an operator-driven actuator for actuating the brake lock and turn lock. The housing 24 may be operably connected to a mounting base 22. For example, as shown in the figures, a kingpin 30 may connect the housing 24 and the top plate 22 together. In one example, the top plate 22 and the housing 30 each have holes 32, 34 with matching geometries, and the kingpin may have a shoulder 36 whose outer periphery matches the geometry of the holes in the top plate and the housing, thereby allowing the kingpin 30 to lock the top plate 22 to the housing 24. In this configuration, the housing 24 and the top plate 22 are locked together as a single component, and the remainder of the casters 20 below the housing and top plate can rotate relative to the housing and top plate. Therefore, the brake pedal 28 extending from the housing 24 can be in the same orientation as the housing and top plate, and the remainder of the casters below the housing can rotate relative to the housing, top plate, and brake pedal.

[0020] The caster 20 may have a corner piece 40 configured to rotate relative to the housing 24 and about a rotation axis 42. The corner piece 40 may have an inner portion 44 and spaced-apart forks 46 on its lateral sides. The inner portion 44 may include a bearing 50 that facilitates relative rotation between the corner piece and the housing. For example, the outer ring of the bearing 50 may be captured by a surface in the inner portion 44 of the corner piece 40, and the inner ring of the bearing may abut against a bearing surface 52 protruding into the housing 24 inside the corner piece. The inner ring of the bearing 50 may also be engaged by a kingpin 30. The kingpin 30 may have a surface 34 below its shoulder 36, which protrudes into the inner portion 44 of the corner piece 40 and engages with the inner ring of the bearing 50. A rotation locking ring 54 may be provided in the inner portion 44 of the corner piece 40. The rotating locking ring 54 can be fixed in a proper position in the inner part 44 of the corner piece, and it can have an upper part 56 that contacts the thrust surface of the inner ring of the bearing 50.

[0021] The caster 20 may have a wheel assembly 60 disposed between the forks 46 of the corner piece 40. The wheel assembly 60 may include a tread that engages with a core to form the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly 60 may be operatively connected to the forks 46 by an axle assembly 62 for relative rotation with respect to the forks 46. The wheel assembly 60 may have a side surface 64 on which an annular recess 66 is formed. The annular recess 66 of the side surface 64 may have a brake ring 68 extending around the inner diameter of the annular recess. The brake ring 68 may be formed in the side surface 64 from the same material as the wheel assembly, or the brake ring may be mounted on the inner diameter of the annular recess 66. The brake ring 68 may include a plurality of equally spaced teeth that project radially inward toward the center of the wheel assembly. As shown in the figures, the wheel assembly 60 may have an annular recess 66 with a brake ring 68 extending around the inner diameter of each side surface 64 of the wheel assembly. In an alternative, two wheels may be arranged side-by-side between the forks 46 of the corner piece 40 to form a wheel assembly 60, and each wheel may have an annular recess on its outer surface, which contains a brake ring. A threaded guard 70 may be arranged adjacent to the side 64 of the wheel 60 (or the outer surface of the dual-wheel arrangement). The threaded guard 70 may cover the annular recess 66. The threaded guard 70 may be arranged between the outer surface 64 of the wheel assembly 60 and the forks 46 of the corner piece 40. The threaded guard 70 may interlock with the forks 46 of the corner piece 40 to prevent the threaded guard 40 from slipping and rotating when the wheel assembly is braked. For example, the threaded guard 70 may have a raised profile 72 that matches a recess formed in the forks 46 of the corner piece 40. The recess in the forks 46 may be configured to allow the threaded guard 70 to be pushed upwards to a position interlocked with the forks 46 of the corner piece 40, as shown in the figures.

[0022] The caster 20 may be equipped with a brake 80. The brake 80 may have a bridging portion 82 and a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion 84, 86 protruding away from the bridging portion 82. The bridging portion 82 may be disposed within the inner portion 44 of the corner member 40. The first plunger portion and the second plunger portion 84, 86 may be surrounded by the fork-like member 46 of the corner member or by a threaded protective cover 70. The bridging portion 82 may have an upper region with a rack 88 extending outward from the bridging portion 82. The first plunger portion 84 may protrude from the bridging portion 82 on one side of the brake 80 and along the first side surface 64 of the wheel assembly 60 in the direction opposite to the rack 88. The second plunger portion 86 may extend from the bridging portion 82 on the opposite side of the brake 80 opposite to the first plunger portion 84 and along the second side surface 64 of the wheel assembly 60 in the direction opposite to the rack 88. The first plunger portion 84 may have a distal end with a brake block 90 configured to engage with a brake ring 68 of an annular recess 66 on the side 64, and the second plunger portion 86 may have a distal end with a brake block 90 configured to engage with a brake ring 68 of an annular recess on the opposite side.

[0023] In one aspect of the rotary lock, the rack 88 of the brake 80 may include a plurality of teeth, and the rotary locking ring 54 may also include a plurality of teeth. Therefore, in this configuration, the plurality of teeth of the rack 88 of the brake 80 and the plurality of teeth of the rotary locking ring 54 can be configured such that the corner member 40 engages about the rotation axis 42 and relative to the housing 24 in a plurality of angular orientations or positions. In alternative embodiments, for example, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the rack 88' of the brake element 80' can be a single tooth, and the rotation locking ring 54' can include a single pawl. Therefore, in this configuration, the single tooth of the rack 88' and the single pawl of the rotation locking ring 54' enable the corner piece 40 to engage relative to the housing 24 at a single angular orientation about the rotation axis 42. In another alternative, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the rack 88' of the brake element 80' can be a single tooth, and the rotation locking ring can include two pawls, for example, 180 degrees apart. Therefore, in this configuration, a single tooth of the rack 88' can engage with either pawl of the rotation locking ring, enabling the corner piece 40 to engage about the rotation axis 42 and relative to the housing 24 in a bidirectional angular orientation. On the other hand, as... Figures 1 to 7The same brake 80, shown with a rack 88 (having multiple teeth), can be used with a rotary locking ring 54 (having multiple teeth) or a rotary locking ring 54' (having a pawl). As discussed above, the rotary locking ring 54 with multiple teeth can engage with multiple teeth on the rack 88 of the brake 80 to give the corner piece 40 multiple angular orientations about the axis of rotation 42 and relative to the housing 24, and the rotary locking ring 54' with a single pawl can be configured to accommodate all the multiple teeth of the rack 88 of the brake 80 to provide a single angular orientation of the corner piece 40 about the axis of rotation 24 relative to the housing 24. Therefore, the caster 20 can be manufactured to standard specifications, and the brake and rotary locking ring can be manufactured to have similar dimensions, shapes, and forms but different tooth profiles to meet specific application requirements.

[0024] The caster 20 may have a coupling pin 100 extending through the inner portion 44 of the housing 24 and the corner piece 40. The centerline of the coupling pin may be coaxial with the kingpin 30. The centerline of the coupling pin 100 may be coaxial with the rotation axis 42. The coupling pin 100 may have a first end and a second end 102, 104. The first end 102 of the coupling pin 100 may be operatively connected to the brake lever arm 26. The second end 104 of the coupling pin may be configured to abut against the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80. The first end 102 of the coupling pin 100 may have a hole that mates with the distal end of the brake lever arm 26, so that movement of the distal end of the brake lever arm can directly control the movement of the coupling pin, i.e., the up-and-down movement shown in the figures. A portion of the coupling pin 100 (including the first end 102 of the coupling pin) may be movable within the hollow central portion of the kingpin 30. The hollow central portion of the kingpin 30 may be configured to slidably engage with the coupling pin 100. The kingpin 30 may also have a slot configured to receive the distal end of the brake lever arm 26 and its connection to the first end 102 of the engagement pin 100. Another portion of the engagement pin 100 (including the second end 104 of the engagement pin 100) may extend through the center of the bearing 50 and the center of the rotation locking ring 54 to be supported on the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80. The bridging portion 82 of the brake member 84 may have a recess 106 that mates with the second end 104 of the engagement pin 100.

[0025] On one side of the caster, the brake lever arm 26 can be positioned between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The brake lever arm 26 can be positioned together with the brake pedal 28. Therefore, (i) when the brake lever arm 26 moves to the engaged position, the brake lever arm 26 moves the engagement pin 100 in such a way that the brake member 80 moves to a position where the rack 88 of the bridging portion 82 of the brake member engages with the rotation locking ring 54 and the brake block 90 of each of the first plunger portions and the second plunger portions 84, 86 of the brake member engages with the corresponding brake ring 68 of the annular recess 66 of the first plunger portion and the second side portion 64 of the wheel assembly 60; and (ii) when the brake lever arm 26 moves to the disengaged position, the brake lever arm 26 moves the engagement pin 100 in such a way that the brake member 80 moves to a position where the rack 88 of the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80 is spaced apart from the rotation locking ring 54 and the brake block 90 of each of the first plunger portions and the second plunger portions 84, 86 of the brake member 80 is spaced apart from the corresponding brake ring 68 of the annular recess 66 of the first side portion and the second side portion 64 of the wheel assembly 60.

[0026] On the other hand, for example, when the caster does not include a brake lever arm, and for example, when an actuator disposed in the caster's lever can be actuated by an operator to engage and disengage the caster's locking feature, the engagement pin can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position via the actuator. The engagement pin can be configured to move together with the brake between the engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, (i) when the engagement pin moves to the engaged position, the engagement pin moves the brake to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake engages with the rotating locking ring and the brake blocks of each of the first and second plunger portions of the brake engage with the corresponding brake rings of the annular recesses of the first and second sides of the wheel assembly; and (ii) when the engagement pin moves to the disengaged position, the engagement pin moves the brake to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is spaced apart from the rotating locking ring and the brake blocks of each of the first and second plunger portions of the brake are spaced apart from the corresponding brake rings of the annular recesses of the first and second sides of the wheel assembly.

[0027] On another aspect of the caster, the brake can be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Thus, (i) when the brake is moved to the engaged position, the rack of the bridging portion of the brake engages with the rotation locking ring, and the brake pads of each of the first and second plunger portions of the brake engage with the corresponding brake rings of the annular recesses of the first and second sides of the wheel assembly; and (ii) when the brake is moved to the disengaged position, the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is spaced apart from the rotation locking ring, and the brake pads of each of the first and second plunger portions of the brake are spaced apart from the corresponding brake rings of the annular recesses of the first and second sides of the wheel assembly.

[0028] Regardless of whether the brake lever arm, engagement pin, and / or brake element are in the engaged or disengaged positions as described above, the caster may include an engagement pin spring 110 to facilitate movement between the engaged and disengaged positions. This engagement pin spring 110 may be configured to bias the engagement pin 100 in such a way that the rack 88 on the bridging portion 82 of the brake element 80 is positioned away from the rotational locking ring 54, and the brake block 90 of each of the first and second plunger portions 84, 86 of the brake element 80 is positioned away from the corresponding brake ring 68 of the annular recess 66 of the first and second sides 64 of the wheel assembly 60. Alternatively, the engagement pin spring 110 may be a coil spring arranged around the engagement pin 100. One end of the coil spring may abut against an internal shoulder within the hollow interior of the kingpin 30, and the other end may abut against an outwardly projecting rim at the second end 104 of the engagement pin 100. The engagement pin spring 110 may be compressed in both the engaged and disengaged positions. When the engagement pin 100 is in the engagement position, the engagement pin spring 110 can be compressed to a first length, and when the engagement pin is in the disengaged position, the engagement pin spring can be compressed to a second length, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

[0029] Regardless of whether the brake lever arm, engagement pin, and / or brake element are in the engaged or disengaged position as described above, the caster may include a spring 112 for the first and / or second plunger portions 84, 86 to further facilitate movement between the engaged and disengaged positions. The spring 112 of the first plunger portion 84 may be configured to bias the first plunger portion 84 of the brake element 80 in such a way that the rack 88 of the bridging portion 82 of the brake element is positioned to engage with the rotation locking ring 54, and the brake block 90 of the first plunger portion 84 of the brake element 80 is positioned to engage with the brake ring 68 in the annular recess 66 of the first side surface 64 of the wheel assembly. The spring 112 of the second plunger portion 86 can be configured to bias the second plunger portion 86 of the brake member 80 in such a way that the rack 88 of the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80 is positioned to engage with the rotation locking ring 54, and the brake block 90 of the second plunger portion 86 of the brake member 80 is positioned to engage with the brake ring 68 of the annular recess 66 of the second side surface 64 of the wheel assembly 60. The spring 112 of the first plunger portion 84 can be configured to bias the first plunger portion 84 in such a way that the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80 abuts against the engaging pin 100 in one direction, causing the engaging pin 100 to move to the engaged position. The spring 112 of the second plunger portion 86 can be configured to bias the second plunger portion 86 in such a way that the bridging portion 82 of the brake member 80 abuts against the engaging pin 100 in one direction, causing the engaging pin to move to the engaged position. Preferably, the spring force of the springs 112 in the first and second plunger portions 84, 86 is insufficient to move the engaging pin 100 and overcome the spring force of the engaging pin spring 110. When the engaging pin 100 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the engaging pin disengages, allowing the springs 112 in the first and second plunger portions to push the brake 80 upward to engage with the rotation locking ring 54. The spring 112 in the first plunger portion 84 can be a helical spring. The spring 112 in the second plunger portion 86 can also be a helical spring.

[0030] The threaded guard 70 of the corresponding side 64 adjacent to the wheel assembly 60 may have features that mate with the plunger portions 84, 86, such that the respective plunger portions are slidably engaged with the threaded guard. For example, the threaded guard 70 may have an inner surface 116 facing the side 64 of the wheel assembly 60. The inner surface 116 of the threaded guard 70 may have one or more grooves and / or slots 118. The outer surfaces 120 of the plunger portions 84, 86 may be formed to mate with the grooves or slots 118 of the inner surface 116 of the threaded guard 70 and slidably accommodated within the grooves or slots 118 of the inner surface 116 of the threaded guard 70. The plunger portions 84, 86 and the inner surface 116 of the threaded guard may also have flanges 122, 124 that mate to maintain the slidably engaged plunger portions 84, 86 with the threaded guard 70. The inner surface 116 of the threaded guard may also have a collar 126 configured to retain springs 112 for the respective plunger portions 84, 86. As described above, one or both of the threaded guards may be similarly constructed.

[0031] The first plunger portion 84 may have an intermediate section between its brake block 90 and the bridging portion 82, the intermediate section having a hinge 130, such as a movable hinge. The second plunger portion 86 may also have an intermediate section between its brake block 90 and the bridging portion 82, the intermediate section having a hinge 130, such as a movable hinge. During caster assembly, the plunger portions 84, 86 of the brake 80 may be folded around their respective hinges 130 to position the brake block in an annular recess 66 on the side 64 of the wheel assembly 60 and around the outer tire tread of the wheel assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, plunger portions 84, 86 can be folded about their respective hinges 130 to allow the plunger portions to be assembled into sliding engagement with the threaded guard 70, and to allow the threaded guard to engage with the cooperating features 118, 120, 122, 124 of the respective plunger portions. For example, during assembly, plunger portions 84, 86 can be folded about their respective hinges 130 to allow the protruding ribs 120 of the plunger portions 84, 86 to be manipulated into the grooves / slots 118 of the respective threaded guard 70 and to engage with the flanges 122, 124.

[0033] To most clearly illustrate the principles of this disclosure and their specific application in practical use, these embodiments have been selected and described so that those skilled in the art can best apply the above principles in various embodiments and modifications according to the best needs of a particular application.

[0034] Since various other modifications can be made to the structures and methods described and shown herein without departing from the scope of the invention, all content contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary rather than restrictive.

[0035] Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A caster comprising: Mounting base, configured to attach the caster to an object to be moved; An angle member configured to rotate relative to a housing about a rotation axis, the angle member having an inner portion and forked members spaced apart on the lateral sides of the angle member; A wheel assembly disposed between the forks and operably connected to the forks via a wheel axle assembly for relative rotation with respect to the forks, the wheel assembly having a first outer side and a second outer side, each side forming an annular recess, each annular recess having a brake ring extending around the inner diameter of the annular recess. Rotate the locking ring, which is located in the corner piece; A brake member having a bridging portion and a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion projecting in a direction away from the bridging portion, the bridging portion having a rack extending outward from the bridging portion, the first plunger portion projecting from the bridging portion on one side of the brake member and along a first outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the second plunger portion extending from the bridging portion on the other side of the brake member opposite to the first plunger portion and along a second outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the first plunger portion having a brake block, the second plunger portion having a brake block, and the brake member being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; as well as A connecting pin extends into the interior of the corner piece, one end of which abuts against a bridging portion of a brake element inside the corner piece. When the brake moves to the engagement position, the rack of the bridging portion of the brake engages with the rotation locking ring, and the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake engages with the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess of the first plunger portion and the second outer side of the wheel assembly. When the brake is moved to the disengaged position, the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is spaced apart from the rotation locking ring, and the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake is spaced apart from the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess on the first and second outer sides of the wheel assembly.

2. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, The engagement pin moves together with the brake element between the engagement position and the disengagement position.

3. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, The engagement pin is operably connected to the brake pedal.

4. The caster of claim 1, further comprising a coupling pin spring configured to bias the coupling pin in a manner that moves the brake to the disengaged position.

5. The caster according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting pin spring is a helical spring.

6. The caster according to claim 5, wherein, When the brake is in the engaged position, the engagement pin spring is compressed to a first length; when the brake is in the disengaged position, the engagement pin spring is compressed to a second length; the first length is less than the second length.

7. The caster of claim 1, further comprising a spring for the first plunger portion, the spring being configured to bias the first plunger portion of the brake in a manner to move the brake to the engaged position.

8. The caster of claim 1, further comprising a threaded guard configured adjacent to and covering an annular recess of the first outer side of the wheel assembly.

9. The caster according to claim 8, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the first plunger portion have mating features, such that the first plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

10. The caster according to claim 8, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the first plunger portion and the threaded shield are slidably engaged.

11. The caster according to claim 8, wherein, The threaded protective cover has a collar configured to retain a spring in the first plunger portion.

12. The caster of claim 1, further comprising a spring for the second plunger portion, the spring being configured to bias the second plunger portion of the brake in a manner that moves the brake to the engaged position.

13. The caster of claim 1, further comprising a threaded guard configured adjacent to and covering an annular recess on the second outer side of the wheel assembly.

14. The caster according to claim 13, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the second plunger portion have mating features, such that the second plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

15. The caster according to claim 13, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the second plunger portion is slidably engaged with the threaded shield.

16. The caster according to claim 13, wherein, The threaded guard has a collar configured to retain a spring in the second plunger portion.

17. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation locking ring has a plurality of spaced-apart teeth extending around the rotation locking ring, the plurality of teeth being configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a plurality of orientations.

18. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating locking ring is configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in no more than two different orientations.

19. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating locking ring has a pawl configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a single orientation.

20. The caster according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion has an intermediate section between the brake block and the bridging portion, the intermediate section having a hinge.

21. A caster comprising: Mounting base, configured to attach the caster to an object to be moved; A housing operably connected to the mounting base; An angle member configured to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis, the angle member having an inner portion and forked members spaced apart on the lateral sides of the angle member; A wheel assembly disposed between the forks and operably connected to the forks via an axle assembly for relative rotation with respect to the forks, the wheel assembly having a first outer side and a second outer side, the first outer side and the second outer side having an annular recess, the annular recess of the outer side having a brake ring extending around the inner diameter of the annular recess; Rotate the locking ring, which is located in the corner piece; A brake element having a bridging portion and a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion projecting in a direction away from the bridging portion, the bridging portion having a rack extending outward from the bridging portion, the first plunger portion projecting from the bridging portion on one side of the brake element and along a first outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the second plunger portion extending from the bridging portion on the opposite side of the brake element and along a relative outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the first plunger portion having a brake block, and the second plunger portion having a brake block; A brake lever arm, which is pivotally connected to the housing, is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; as well as A connecting pin extending through the housing and the interior of the corner piece, the connecting pin having a first end and a second end, the first end of the connecting pin being operably connected to the brake lever arm, and the second end of the connecting pin abutting against the bridging portion of the brake element; Wherein, when the brake lever arm moves to the engagement position, the brake lever arm moves the engagement pin in a manner that causes the brake member to move to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake member engages with the rotation locking ring and the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake member engages with the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess on the first and second outer surfaces of the wheel assembly; and When the brake lever arm moves to the disengaged position, the brake lever arm moves the engagement pin in a manner that moves the brake member to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake member is spaced apart from the rotation locking ring and the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake member is spaced apart from the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess on the first and second outer sides of the wheel assembly.

22. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a coupling pin spring configured to bias the coupling pin in such a way that the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is positioned away from the rotation locking ring, and that the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake is positioned away from the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess of the first and second outer surfaces of the wheel assembly.

23. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a spring for the first plunger portion, the spring being configured to bias the first plunger portion of the brake in such a way that the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is positioned to engage the rotation locking ring, and the brake block of the first plunger portion of the brake is positioned to engage the brake ring of the annular recess on the first outer side of the wheel assembly.

24. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a threaded guard configured adjacent to and covering an annular recess on the first outer side of the wheel assembly.

25. The caster according to claim 24, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the first plunger portion have mating features, such that the first plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

26. The caster according to claim 24, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the first plunger portion and the threaded shield are slidably engaged.

27. The caster according to claim 24, wherein, The threaded protective cover has a collar configured to retain a spring in the first plunger portion.

28. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a spring for the second plunger portion, the spring being configured to bias the second plunger portion of the brake in such a way that the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is positioned to engage with the rotation locking ring, and the brake block of the second plunger portion of the brake is positioned to engage with the brake ring of the annular recess on the second outer side of the wheel assembly.

29. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a threaded guard configured adjacent to and covering an annular recess on the second outer side of the wheel assembly.

30. The caster according to claim 29, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the second plunger portion have mating features, such that the second plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

31. The caster according to claim 29, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the second plunger portion is slidably engaged with the threaded shield.

32. The caster according to claim 29, wherein, The threaded guard has a collar configured to retain a spring in the second plunger portion.

33. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The mounting base and the housing are configured to rotate together with respect to the corner piece.

34. The caster of claim 21, further comprising a bearing inside the corner piece, the bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring engaging with the housing, and the outer ring operably engaging with the corner piece.

35. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The rotation locking ring is configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in multiple orientations.

36. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The rotation locking ring has a plurality of spaced-apart teeth extending around the rotation locking ring, the plurality of teeth being configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a plurality of orientations.

37. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The rotation locking ring is configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a single orientation.

38. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The rotating locking ring has a pawl configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in no more than two different orientations.

39. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The first plunger portion has an intermediate section between the brake block and the bridging portion, and the intermediate section has a hinge.

40. The caster according to claim 21, wherein, The second plunger portion has an intermediate section between the brake block and the bridging portion, and the intermediate section has a hinge.

41. A caster comprising: Mounting base, configured to attach the caster to an object to be moved; A housing operably connected to the mounting base; An angle member configured to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis, the angle member having an inner portion and forked members spaced apart on the lateral sides of the angle member; A wheel assembly disposed between the forks and operably connected to the forks via an axle assembly for relative rotation with respect to the forks, the wheel assembly having a first outer side and a second outer side, each side forming an annular recess, each annular recess on the outer side having a brake ring extending around the inner diameter of the annular recess. Rotate the locking ring, which is located in the corner piece; A brake element having a bridging portion and a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion projecting in a direction away from the bridging portion, the bridging portion having a rack extending outward from the bridging portion, the first plunger portion projecting from the bridging portion on one side of the brake element and along a first outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the second plunger portion extending from the bridging portion on the other side of the brake element opposite to the first plunger portion and along a second outer side surface of the wheel assembly in a direction opposite to the rack, the first plunger portion having a brake block, and the second plunger portion having a brake block; A coupling pin having a first end and a second end, the first end of the coupling pin extending into the housing, the second end of the coupling pin abutting against a bridging portion of a brake inside the corner piece, the coupling pin being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Wherein, when the engagement pin moves to the engagement position, the engagement pin causes the brake to move to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake engages with the rotation locking ring and the brake block of each of the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion of the brake engages with the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess on the first and second outer sides of the wheel assembly; and When the engagement pin moves to the disengaged position, the engagement pin causes the brake to move to a position where the rack of the bridging portion of the brake is spaced apart from the rotation locking ring and the brake block of each of the first and second plunger portions of the brake is spaced apart from the corresponding brake ring of the annular recess on the first and second outer sides of the wheel assembly.

42. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The central axis of the connecting pin is aligned with the axis of rotation.

43. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The first end of the engagement pin is operably connected to the brake pedal.

44. The caster of claim 41, further comprising a coupling pin spring configured to bias the coupling pin to the disengaged position.

45. The caster according to claim 44, wherein, The connecting pin spring is a helical spring.

46. ​​The caster according to claim 45, wherein, When the engagement pin is in the engagement position, the engagement pin spring is compressed to a first length; When the engagement pin is in the disengaged position, the engagement pin spring is compressed to a second length; The first length is less than the second length.

47. The caster of claim 41, further comprising a spring for the first plunger portion, the spring of the first plunger portion being configured to bias the first plunger portion of the brake to the engagement pin in a manner that moves the engagement pin to the engagement position.

48. The caster of claim 41, further comprising a threaded guard configured adjacent to and covering an annular recess of the first outer side of the wheel assembly.

49. The caster according to claim 48, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the first plunger portion have mating features, such that the first plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

50. The caster according to claim 48, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the first plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the first plunger portion and the threaded shield are slidably engaged.

51. The caster according to claim 48, wherein, The threaded protective cover has a collar configured to retain a spring in the first plunger portion.

52. The caster of claim 41, further comprising a spring for the second plunger portion, the spring of the second plunger portion being configured to bias the second plunger portion of the brake to the engagement pin in a manner that moves the engagement pin to the engagement position.

53. The caster of claim 41 further includes a threaded guard, the threaded guard being disposed adjacent to and covering an annular recess on the second outer side of the wheel assembly.

54. The caster according to claim 53, wherein, The threaded protective cover and the second plunger portion have mating features, such that the second plunger portion and the threaded protective cover are slidably engaged.

55. The caster according to claim 53, wherein, One of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a flange, and the other of the threaded shield and the second plunger portion has a lug, the lug being configured to receive the flange such that the second plunger portion is slidably engaged with the threaded shield.

56. The caster according to claim 53, wherein, The threaded guard has a collar configured to retain a spring in the second plunger portion.

57. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The mounting base and the housing are configured to rotate together with respect to the corner piece.

58. The caster of claim 41, further comprising a bearing inside the corner piece, the bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring of the bearing engaging with the housing, and the outer ring engaging with the corner piece.

59. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The rotation locking ring is configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in multiple orientations.

60. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The rotation locking ring has a plurality of spaced-apart teeth extending around the rotation locking ring, the plurality of teeth being configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a plurality of orientations.

61. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The rotating locking ring is configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in no more than two different orientations.

62. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The rotating locking ring has a pawl configured to engage with the rack of the bridging portion in a single orientation.

63. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The first plunger portion has an intermediate section between the brake block and the bridging portion, and the intermediate section has a hinge.

64. The caster according to claim 41, wherein, The second plunger portion has an intermediate section between the brake block and the bridging portion, and the intermediate section has a hinge.

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