Universal rotating wheel

Abstract

Various embodiments involve a universal wheel. The universal wheel can include a wheel support portion; a set of bearing sleeves; a hub; and a flange. The wheel support portion can be configured to receive the set of bearing sleeves. The hub can be disposed about a perimeter formed by an outer portion of each bearing sleeve. The flange can be coupled to the wheel support portion such that the wheel support portion and the flange cooperate to maintain the hub between at least a portion of each of the wheel support portion and the flange with the hub disposed on a rolling surface defined by the set of bearing sleeve such that the hub is configured to rotate freely with respect to the wheel support portion and the flange when the wheel support portion and the flange are in a fixed position.

Description

Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070UNIVERSAL ROTATING WHEELCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 679,464, entitled “UNIVERSAL ROTATING WHEEL” and filed on August 5, 2024, which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] When an automobile has become inoperable or otherwise unable to move, that automobile may need to be moved to another location, such as a repair shop, so that the automobile may be repaired. Moving an inoperable automobile may entail moving the automobile onto a flatbed type-car carrier. And once the automobile has been transported to a repair shop, the automobile may need to be moved around the repair shop. Moving the automobile in these circumstances may be feasible if the automobile’s wheels are able to rotate, allowing the automobile to be rolled onto a tow truck or around a repair shop. If, for example, the automobile has been rendered immobile because one or more of the automobile’s wheels are unable to rotate (e.g., the automobile’s breaks are locked up, the axle is damaged, or the automobile is stuck in gear, etc.), it may be difficult to move that automobile. Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatuses and devices for moving inoperable vehicles.Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal wheel according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a universal wheel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure at various states of assembly;

[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a cutaway view of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0008] FIG. 5 depicts another cutaway view of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0009] FIG. 6 depicts a front perspective view of wheel support portion of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0010] FIG. 7 depicts a rear perspective view of wheel support portion of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0011] FIG. 8 depicts front, rear, and side views of the wheel support portion of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 9A depicts a set of views, including a cutaway view of a bearing sleeve of the of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 9B depicts a bearing sleeve according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 9C depicts a bearing sleeve according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0015] FIG. 9D depicts a spacer that may be used with the bearing sleeve according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 9E depicts a bearing that may be used with the bearing sleeve according to particular embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a view of a hub of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of a hub of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a side view of a hub of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0020] FIG. 13 depicts a side view of a hub of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 with a tire mounted thereto;

[0021] FIG. 14 depicts a flange of the universal wheel of FIG. 1 ;

[0022] FIG. 15 depicts an additional view of the flange of FIG. 14;

[0023] FIG. 16 depicts an additional view of the flange of FIG. 14;

[0024] FIG. 17 depicts various views of the wheel support portion of a universal wheel in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 18 depicts various views of the wheel support portion of FIG. 17 with a plurality of bearing sleeves at least temporarily coupled thereto in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 19 depicts various views of the wheel support portion of FIG. 18 with the plurality of bearing sleeves at least temporarily coupled thereto and a hub and tire assembly placed thereon in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 20 depicts various views of the wheel support portion of FIG. 17 with a flange mounted thereon to maintain the plurality of bearing sleeves and the hub and tireAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 assembly adjacent the wheel support portion of the universal wheel in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 21 -24 depict various embodiments of internal hubs (e.g., internal universal wheel portions) which can be used in combination with any embodiment of a universal when described herein; and

[0029] FIG. 25-27 depict various embodiments of a universal wheel having a central hub coupled thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0031] Universal Wheel

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , a universal wheel 100, according to various embodiments, comprises a wheel support portion 200, a flange 500 coupled to the wheel support portion 200, and a tire 450 (e.g., mounted to a hub). As will be discussed more fully herein, in various aspects, the tire 450 can be configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to the wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500, while the wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500 corporate to maintain the tire 450 in a substantially fixed lateral position with respect to the wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500. In this way, variousAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 aspects of the universal wheel 100 can be configured to enable a vehicle that is at least partially immobile (e.g., the vehicle’s breaks are locked up, the axle is damaged, or the vehicle is stuck in gear, etc.) to be moved by: (1 ) mounting at least one universal wheel 100 to the vehicle; and (2) pushing the vehicle such that the tire 450 rotates with respect to wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500 while the wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500 remain in a fixed position relative to the vehicle. In any embodiment described herein, the universal wheel 100 can be mounted to the vehicle using any suitable universal wheel that is coupled to the wheel support portion 200 (e.g., or coupled to any other suitable portion of the universal wheel 100). In other aspects, the internal portion of the universal wheel (e.g. , configured to engage any vehicle’s wheel bolt pattern) is integrally formed with the wheel support portion 200. In some embodiments, the universal wheel portion can be configured to couple to a vehicle with any suitable bolt pattern, enabling the universal wheel 100 to be utilized with almost any vehicle, regardless of bolt pattern. In some embodiments, the internal universal wheel portion (e.g., hub portion, not pictured) may include any suitable universal temporary wheel, such as those discussed with respect to FIGS. 21-24.

[0033] Turning to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the universal wheel 100 is shown. As may be understood from this figure, the free-rolling nature of the tire 450 (e.g., and the hub 400 on which it is mounted) can, in various embodiments, be achieved through the use of at least one bearing sleeve 300 disposed between the wheel support portion 200 and the hub 400. Each bearing sleeve 300 can, for example, be disposed such that the hub 400 is supported on at least a portion of each bearing sleeve 300, and each bearing sleeve 300 is supported against the wheel support portion 200 such that a rolling motionAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 of the hub 400 causes each bearing sleeve 300 to rotate, while the wheel support portion 200 remains in a fixed position. As such, each bearing sleeve 300 is disposed between the wheel support portion 200 and the hub 400, while contacting at least a portion of the bearing sleeve 300 and the wheel support portion 200. In other aspects, each bearing sleeve 300 is sufficiently spaced apart from the wheel support portion 200 such that the wheel support portion 200 does not interfere with the rotation of each bearing sleeve 300 and ultimately does not interfere with the rotation of the hub 400. As may be understood from this figure, the flange 500 can be configured to couple to an outer portion of the wheel support portion 200 to maintain the hub 400 (e.g., and the tire 450 mounted to the hub 400) in a fixed lateral position relative to the wheel support portion 200. As such, the hub 400 (e.g., and the tire 450 mounted to the hub 400) can rotate substantially freely (e.g., freely) between the flange 400 and the wheel support potion 200 without moving laterally.

[0034] FIG. 3 depicts the universal wheel 100 in various stages of assembly. As shown in this figure and described more fully below, the wheel support portion 200 defines at least one bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232, with each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 being substantially evenly radially spaced (e.g., evenly radially spaced) about a circumference of the wheel support portion 200. Each bearing sleeve 300 (e.g., bearing sleeve 300A-F) can be inserted into a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232. The hub 400 can then be placed around the plurality of bearing sleeves such that an inner portion of the hub 400 engages each bearing sleeve 300 (e.g., enabling the hub 400 and the tire 450) to rotate freely via rotation of each bearing sleeve 300). The flange 500 can then be coupled to the wheel support portion 200, with a second portion of each bearingAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 sleeve 300 being inserted into a corresponding bearing sleeve receiving cutout 532 on the flange 500.

[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a cutaway view of the universal wheel 100. As may be understood from this figure, when the universal wheel 100 is assembled, each bearing sleeve 300 can be sandwiched between the wheel support portion 200 and the hub 400 such that the at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface 211 of the bearing sleeve support 210 and at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface 411 of the bearing sleeve support 410 can be maintained against at least a portion of each bearing sleeve 300. This can, for example, enable the hub 400 to roll (e.g., rotate) freely with respect to the wheel support portion 200 and each bearing sleeve 300 (each of which can be substantially fixed with relative to the wheel support portion 200 by virtue of being at least temporarily coupled to the wheel support portion 200 via a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232). As may be understood from this figure, each bearing sleeve 300 can be substantially evenly spaced about a circumference of the wheel support portion 200. This can, for example distribute the weight of a vehicle on which the universal wheel 100 is mounted such that the entire weight of the vehicle is not supported by a single bearing sleeve 300. FIG. 5 depicts an additional cutaway view that depicts a first and second bearing sleeve 300 disposed between the wheel support portion 200 and the hub 400. As may be discussed in additional detail below, each bearing sleeve 300 can comprise one or more rolling elements configured to enable the bearing sleeve 300 to rotate about a shaft (e.g., a shaft via which the bearing sleeve 300 is mounted to the wheel support portion 200 and flange 500).

[0036] Wheel Support PortionAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0037] FIGS. 6-8 depict a wheel support portion 200 according to particular embodiments. As may be understood from these figures, the wheel support portion 200 can comprise a bearing sleeve support 210, a flange support portion 215, a universal wheel mounting portion 220, and a hub support flange 230. In various embodiments, the bearing sleeve support 210 can be substantially tubular (e.g., tubular) and have a radius. In some aspects, the bearing sleeve support 210 can define a bearing sleeve support surface 211 that can extend about a circumference of the bearing sleeve support 210, forming a substantially smooth (e.g., smooth) surface having a substantially fixed (e.g., fixed radius) across a particular width. In various aspects, the hub support flange 230 can extend perpendicular and radially outward from a first edge portion of the bearing sleeve support 210. In various aspects, a radius of the hub support flange 230 can be greater than a radius of the bearing sleeve support 210. In some aspects, the hub support flange 230 can define a hub support flange inner face 231 and a hub support flange outer face 233 on opposing portions of the hub support flange 230. In particular aspects, the bearing sleeve support 210 defines a plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232. In some aspects, each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 can be substantially evenly radially spaced (e.g., evenly spaced) about a circumference of the hub support flange 230 (e.g., at a fixed radial distance from a center of a circle defined by the hub support flange 230). In particular embodiments, each bearing sleeve 300 can be disposed adjacent a base portion of the hub support flange 230 (e.g., such that a portion of the hub support flange 230 that extends beyond each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 is greater than the portion of the hub support flange 230 between each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 and the bearing sleeve support 210).Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0038] In various aspects, the wheel support portion 200 can further comprise a flange support portion 215 that can extend substantially perpendicularly (e.g., perpendicularly) and radially inward from the bearing sleeve support 210. The flange support portion 215 can define a flange support outer face 21 that can be configured to engage at least a portion of a flange 500 (described more fully below) when the flange 500 is coupled to the wheel support portion 200. In particular embodiments, the flange support portion 215 can define a plurality of flange fastener receiving cutout 212 (e.g., flange fastener receiving cutout 212A-F) configured for coupling the wheel support portion 200 to the flange 500. In various embodiments, each flange fastener receiving cutout 212 can be substantially radially evenly (e.g., radially evenly) disposed about a circumference of the flange support portion 215. In particular embodiment, the wheel support portion 200 can further comprise a universal wheel mounting portion 220 that can extend radially inward adjacent the flange support portion 215. In some embodiments, the flange support portion 215 can be at least somewhat planar and perpendicular to the bearing sleeve support 210 (e.g., and substantially parallel to both the hub support flange 230 and the flange support portion 215). In some embodiments, the universal wheel mounting portion 220 defines a plurality of universal wheel mounting cutouts 222 that can be substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the universal wheel mounting portion 220. In some aspects, the universal wheel mounting portion 220 can be configured to engage with, mate with, and / or couple to a universal hub 600 (e.g., see FIGS. 21 -27) configured to mount the universal wheel 100 to any suitable vehicle having any suitable wheel bolt pattern. In this way, the universal wheel 100 can be configured to be used interchangeably with different internal hub portions for utilization with any suitable vehicle.Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0039] Bearing Sleeve

[0040] FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary bearing sleeve 300 according to particular embodiments. As may be understood from FIG. 9, the bearing sleeve 300 can comprise a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) bearing sleeve body 310. In various embodiments, the bearing sleeve 300 can comprise a first bearing collar 312 disposed adjacent a first end 302 of the bearing sleeve 300 and a second bearing collar 314 disposed adjacent a second end 304 of the bearing sleeve 300. In some aspects, each of the first bearing collar 312 and the second bearing collar 314 can be substantially tubular (e.g., tubular) and sized to receive at least a portion of a bearing shaft 330. In particular embodiments, the bearing sleeve 300 can comprise the bearing shaft 330 and the bearing shaft 330 can be embodied as an elongated bolt 331 , having a bolt head 332 adjacent the first end 302 and a bolt threaded portion 334 adjacent the second end 304 when the bearing shaft 330 can be inserted through the bearing sleeve 300. In particular embodiments, the bearing shaft 330 can extend through the bearing sleeve body 310 via a bearing shaft receiving hole defined through a center portion of the bearing sleeve body 310. In particular aspects, the bearing sleeve 300 can comprise a plurality of rolling element 320 disposed about a circumference of the bearing sleeve body 310 and spaced apart with respect to a length of the bearing sleeve body 310. In some aspects, each rolling element 320 can be disposed within a respective cage 325 configured to maintain each rolling element 320 such that each rolling element 320 contacts the bearing shaft 330 and enables the bearing shaft 330 to rotate freely within the bearing sleeve body 310 (e.g., or enables the bearing sleeve body 310 to rotate freely with respect to the bearingAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 shaft 330). In a particular embodiment, each rolling element 320 can comprise one or more ball bearings.

[0041] FIG. 9B depicts a bearing sleeve 300B according to another embodiment. As may be understood from FIG. 9B. the bearing sleeve 300B comprises a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) bearing shaft 330B. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the bearing sleeve 300B comprises a plurality of bearings 320B disposed along a length of the bearing shaft 330B. In particular embodiments, a bolt head 332B disposed on a first end of the bearing shaft 330B and a locking nut 333B disposed on a second end of the bearing shaft 330B are configured to cooperate to maintain the plurality of bearings 320B in a substantially fixed position along a length of the bearing shaft 330B. Although a bolt head 332B and locking nut 333B are shown in this figure, it should be understood that any other suitable fastener, geometry, or structural feature (e.g., or combination of fasteners, structural features, and the like) may be utilized on opposing portions (e.g., or other suitable portion) of the bearing shaft 330B to maintain any suitable combination of bearings 320B and / or spacing collars 312B on the bearing shaft 330B.

[0042] In some embodiments, the bearing sleeve 300B comprises one or more spacing collars 312B. In particular embodiments, each of the one or more spacing collars 312B are disposed in any suitable location on the bearing shaft 330B, such as, for example: (1 ) between the bolt head 332B and a particular bearing 320B; (2) between the locking nut 333B and a particular bearing 320B; and / or (3) between any suitable pair of bearings 320B.

[0043] Although the embodiment in FIG. 9B depicts a bearing sleeve 300B with a first and second spacing collar 312B adjacent the bolt head 332B and the locking nut 333BAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 respectively, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the bearing sleeve 300B may comprise any suitable number of spacing collars 312B in any suitable configuration with respect to the plurality of bearings 320B on the bearing shaft 330B.

[0044] FIG. 9C, for example, depicts a bearing sleeve 300C according to another embodiment. As may be understood from FIG. 90. the bearing sleeve 300C comprises a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) bearing shaft 330C. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the bearing sleeve 300C comprises a plurality of bearings 3200 disposed along a length of the bearing shaft 3300. In some embodiments, the bearing sleeve 300B comprises one or more spacing collars 312C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 90, the bearing sleeve 300B comprises: (1 ) a first spacing collar 312C disposed between the bolt head 3320 and a particular bearing 3200; (2) a second spacing collar 3120 disposed between the locking nut 3330 and a particular bearing 3200; and (3) a third spacing collar 312C disposed between two adjacent bearings 3200 (e.g., substantially centered along a length of the bearing shaft 3300). As noted above, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the bearing sleeve 3000 can comprise any suitable number of spacing collars 3120 in any suitable configuration with respect to the plurality of bearings 320C on the bearing shaft 3300.

[0045] FIG. 9D depicts a spacing collar 312B according to particular embodiments. As shown in this figure, the spacing collar 312B is substantially tubular (e.g., tubular) and sized to receive at least a portion of a bearing shaft 330B. The spacing collar 312B, in the embodiments shown in this figure, defines a spacing collar cutout 313B having a diameter that substantially corresponds to a diameter of the bearing shaft 330B. In this way, each spacing collar 312B is configured to slide onto the bearing shaft 330B suchAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 that the bearing shaft 330B extends through the spacing collar cutout 313B. As discussed above, various embodiments of a bearing sleeve 300B can include any suitable number of bearing shafts 330B.

[0046] FIG. 9E depicts a bearing 320B according to particular embodiments. The bearing 320B, in the embodiment shown in this figure, defines a bearing cutout 322B having a diameter that substantially corresponds to a diameter of the bearing shaft 330B. In this way, each bearing 320B is configured to slide onto the bearing shaft 330B such that the bearing shaft 330B extends through the bearing cutout 322B and each bearing 320B is configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to the bearing shaft 330B.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in this figure, the bearing 320B comprises a ball bearing. In other embodiments, the bearing 320B may include any other suitable type of bearing or rolling element. For example, each bearing 320B may include a roller bearing, a plain bearing, a needle bearing, a fluid bearing, a magnet bearing, a cylinder bearing, or any other suitable type of bearing. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the bearings 320B comprises a 6000-2RS ball bearing. In some embodiments, although the set of bearings 320B disposed on the bearing shaft 330B are shown as substantially structurally identical in FIG. 9B, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the set of bearings may include any suitable combination of one or more different bearing types.

[0048] As may be understood from FIGS. 9B, 9C, and 9E, the combination of bearings 320B (e.g., bearings 320C) disposed on the bearing shaft 330B (e.g., bearing shaft 330C) cooperate to define a bearing sleeve tire support surface 310B (e.g., bearing sleeve tire support surface 310C). In various embodiments, the bearing sleeve tire support surfaceAttorney Docket No: 692602-207031 OB is configured to support the hub 400 and tire 450 and enable the hub 400 and tire 450 to rotate substantially freely about the bearing sleeve tire support surface 310B. In various embodiments, the bearing sleeve tire support surface 310B is defined by a respective portion of an outer surface of each bearing 320B that is part of the assembled universal wheel 100.

[0049] Hub and Tire

[0050] FIGS. 10-13 depict a hub 400 according to particular embodiments. As may be understood form these figures, the hub 400 can comprise a substantially tubular (e.g., tubular) bearing sleeve support 410 defining a bearing sleeve support surface 411 and a bearing sleeve support outer portion 412. In particular embodiments, the hub 400 can comprise a first tire support flange 420 and a second tire support flange 430, each of which extend perpendicularly radially outward from opposing sides of the bearing sleeve support 410. In some aspects the second tire support flange 430 can be parallel to the first tire support flange 420. In particular embodiments, the first tire support flange 420 can comprise a plurality of wheel lock receiving cutout 422 disposed about a circumference of the first tire support flange 420. In some aspects, each wheel lock receiving cutout 422 can be substantially evenly radially spaced about the first tire support flange 420. In particular aspects each wheel lock receiving cutout 422 can be configured to receive a locking pin (e.g., or other locking mechanism) to rotationally lock the hub 400 with respect to the wheel support portion 200 and the flange 500. In particular embodiments, the hub 400 can be configured to mount a tire 450 adjacent the first tire support flange 420 and the second tire support flange 430 adjacent the bearing sleeve support outer portion 412. In various aspects, the bearing sleeve support surface 411Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070 can be configured to engage at least a portion of each of the bearing sleeve 300 when the hub 400 is mounted over a set of bearing sleeve 300 that are disposed on the wheel support portion 200.

[0051] Flange

[0052] FIGS. 14-16 depict a flange 500 in accordance with various embodiments. In particular embodiments, the flange 500 can comprise a substantially circular (e.g., circular) flange body 510 and can define a flange outer portion 504 and a flange inner portion 502. In some aspects, the flange outer portion 504 can be substantially circular (e.g., circular). In various embodiments, the flange inner portion 502 can be substantially flower shaped such that the flange 500 can comprise a plurality of wheel support portion engaging protrusions 514 about an inner portion of the flange inner portion 502 extending radially inward from the flange inner portion 502. In some aspects, each wheel support portion engaging protrusion 514 can be substantially evenly radially disposed about the flange 500. In particular aspects, each wheel support portion engaging protrusion 514 can define a wheel support portion coupling cutout 512 configured to cooperate with a flange fastener receiving cutout 212 to maintain the flange 500 against the wheel support portion 200 (e.g., using a suitable fastener such as a flange / wheel support fastener 513, bolt, etc.).

[0053] In particular embodiment, the flange 500 further defines a flange outer face 506 and a flange inner face 508. In particular embodiments, the flange 500 can define a plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutout 532 disposed substantially radially evenly about the bearing sleeve receiving cutout 532. In particular embodiments, each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 532 can correspond to a bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 onAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 the wheel support portion 200. In some embodiments, the flange inner face 508 can be configured to cooperate with the hub support flange inner face 231 to maintain each bearing sleeve 300 between the flange body 510 and the hub support flange 230 when the wheel support portion 200 is coupled to the flange 500.

[0054] In still other embodiments, the flange 500 can further define a plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts 522 disposed substantially evenly radially about the flange body 510 adjacent the flange outer portion 504. In various embodiments, each elongated wheel lock receiving cutout 522 can be dimensioned such that, when the universal wheel 100 is assembled, at least one wheel lock receiving cutout 422 can be accessible via each elongated wheel lock receiving cutout 522 (e.g., such that a user can place a locking pin or other locking mechanism through the wheel lock receiving cutout 422 via an elongated wheel lock receiving cutout 522 regardless of the rotational position of the hub 400 with respect to the flange 500 and the wheel support portion 200).

[0055] Universal Wheel Assembly

[0056] FIGS. 17-20 depict a progressive assembly of a universal wheel 100 in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 17 shows a wheel support portion 200 as described herein. FIG. 18 depicts a set of six bearing sleeves 300 inserted into respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232, with each bearing sleeve 300 being evenly spaced about the bearing sleeve support surface 211 . As may be understood form these figures, a user can couple the bearing sleeve 300 to the wheel support portion 200 by: (1 ) removing the bolt 331 (e.g., bearing shaft 330) from the bearing sleeve 300; (2) positioning the bearing sleeve 300 adjacent a bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 such that the bolt 331 is aligned with the bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232; and (3) insertingAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 the bearing shaft 330 (e.g., bolt 331 ) through the bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232 and the first bearing collar 312 until the bolt head 332 engages the hub support flange outer face 233 and the bolt threaded portion 334 extends beyond the second bearing collar 314. Although six bearing sleeves 300 are used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, any other suitable number of bearing sleeves 300 can be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, a universal wheel 100 can include a set of up to twenty-four bearing sleeves 300 (e.g., one bearing sleeve 300 for each bearing sleeve receiving cutout 232). In still other aspects, in addition to one or more bearing sleeves 300, the universal wheel 100 can include one or more nylon rollers or other suitable rolling mechanisms. For example, in some aspects, a universal wheel 100 can include alternating bearing sleeves 300 and other suitable rolling members (e.g., nylon pin bearings, nylon sleeve bearings, steel sleeve bearings, etc.). For example, in some aspects, a bearing sleeve 300 can include a steel roller bearing in a steel sleeve. In still other aspects, the bearing sleeve can include a steel roller bearing in a nylon (e.g., or other suitable material) sleeve. In still other aspects, the roller bearing can include a nylon roller on a steel pin (e.g., which may enable substantially free rolling without the additional bearing structure described with respect to various aspects of a bearing sleeve 300 herein). FIGS. 25-27 depict exemplary bearing sleeve 300 selections. As may be understood from these figures, the selection of number of bearing sleeves 300 utilized, as well as the type and configuration can be adjusted to add, move, and / or remove bearing sleeves 300 using the techniques described herein. In some aspects, the number and selection of bearing sleeves can be based on a weight of a vehicle on which the universal wheel 100 is to be utilized. For example, heavier vehicles can require the useAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 of additional bearing sleeves (e.g., up to twenty-four in any arrangement) to enable the universal wheel 100 to enable the rolling described herein.

[0057] In particular embodiments, the universal wheel 100 can include, for example: (1) a twelve bearing sleeve assembly comprising six steel sleeve bearings and six nylon sleeve bearings; (2) a twelve bearing sleeve assembly comprising six nylon sleeve bearings and six nylon pin bearings; (3) a twenty-four bearing sleeve assembly comprising twelve steel sleeve bearings and twelve nylon sleeve bearings; (4) a twenty- four bearing sleeve assembly comprising twelve nylon sleeve bearings and twelve nylon pin bearings; and / or (5) any other suitable number and / or combination of steel sleeve bearings, nylon sleeve bearings, nylon pin bearings or other suitable rolling member in any suitable arrangement.

[0058] FIG. 19 depicts hub 400 (e.g., with mounted tire 450) placed around each bearing sleeve 300 such that the hub 400 fits substantially snugly about the set of bearing sleeves 300 against the hub support flange inner face 231 of the wheel support portion 200. In some embodiments, each bearing sleeve 300 can engage a bearing sleeve support surface 411 as each bearing sleeve 300 also engages the bearing sleeve support surface 211 . In this way, rotational movement of the hub 400 with respect to the wheel support portion 200 can cause each bearing sleeve 300 to turn as well. FIG. 20 depicts the flange 500 coupled to the wheel support portion 200 (e.g., via suitable fasteners, flange / wheel support fastener 513) through the wheel support portion coupling cutout 512 and the flange fastener receiving cutout 212.

[0059] Central Hub PortionAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0060] FIGS. 21 -24 depict various embodiments of a central hub portion 600 (e.g., universal hub). As may be understood from these figures, the central hub portion 600 is configured to couple to the wheel support portion 200 to enable the universal wheel 100 to be used with any suitable vehicle having any suitable wheel bolt pattern. Any embodiment of a central hub portion 600 can, for example, define a plurality of wheel support portion mounting cutouts 622 that can be substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the central hub portion 600. Each of the plurality of wheel support portion mounting cutouts 622 can, for example, correspond to at least one universal wheel mounting cutout 222. The central hub portion can then couple to the wheel support portion 200 using any suitable fastener (e.g., bolt) or set of fasteners (e.g., bolts) using the plurality of universal wheel mounting cutouts 222 and corresponding wheel support portion mounting cutouts 622. FIGS. 25-27 depict a universal wheel 100 with an exemplary central hub potion 600 coupled to the wheel support portion 200.

[0061] As may be understood from FIGS. 21-24, various embodiments of a central hub portion 600 can define one or more wheel mounting bolt receiving cutouts in any suitable arrangement or configuration. As such in some embodiments, the central hub portion 600 can be configured to couple to a vehicle with any suitable bolt pattern, enabling the universal wheel 100 to be utilized with almost any vehicle, regardless of bolt pattern. A user can, for example: (1 ) select a central hub portion 600 having a bolt receiving pattern that corresponds to a bolt pattern of a vehicle on which the user would like to mount and use the universal wheel 100; (2) couple the selected central hub portion 600 to the wheel support portion 200 of the universal wheel 100; and (3) mount the universal wheel 100 to the vehicle via the central hub portion 600.Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070CONCLUSION

[0062] It should be emphasized that the above-described examples of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described example(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0063] In the present disclosure, disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain examples require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0064] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximate,” “at or about,” and “substantially” mean that the amount or value in question can be the exact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results or effects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that provides equivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In such cases, it is generally understood, as used herein, that “about” and “at or about” mean theAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0065] In light of the above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation. For example, exemplary embodiments set forth in the following clauses are intended to be illustrative and non-limiting examples

[0066] Clause 1 - A universal wheel comprising: a substantially circular wheel support portion comprising: a substantially tubular bearing sleeve support defining a bearing sleeve support surface; a hub support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from an outer portion of the bearing sleeve support adjacent a first side of the bearing sleeve support, the hub support flange defining: a hub support flange inner face; and a first plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the hub support flange; a flange support extending perpendicularly radially inward from an outer portion of the bearing sleeve support adjacent a second side of the bearing sleeve support, the flange support defining a plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange support; and; a universalAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 wheel mounting portion disposed centrally to the wheel support portion relative to the flange support, the universal wheel mounting portion being configured to at least temporarily couple a universal hub to the universal wheel; a plurality of bearing sleeves, each of the plurality of bearing sleeves comprising: a substantially tubular bearing sleeve body; a shaft extending from a first end to a second end through a vacancy defined in a central portion of the bearing sleeve body; and a plurality of rolling elements disposed within the bearing sleeve body configured to enable the shaft to rotate substantially freely within the bearing sleeve body; a hub comprising: a substantially tubular bearing sleeve support portion defining a bearing sleeve support surface on an inner portion of the bearing sleeve support potion; a first tire support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from a first edge of the bearing sleeve support potion; and a second tire support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from a second edge of the bearing sleeve support potion, wherein the hub is disposed over the plurality of bearing sleeves such that the first tire support flange is adjacent the hub support flange inner face and at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface engages at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves; a tire mounted to the hub; and a substantially circular flange comprising a flange body having a radius that corresponds to a radius of the hub support flange, the flange body defining: a flange inner portion, a flange outer portion, a flange outer face, and a flange inner face; a second plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange body, each of the second plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts corresponding to a respective bearing sleeve cutout of the first plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts; and a plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutoutsAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange body, each of the plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutouts corresponding to a respective flange fastener receiving cutouts of the plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts, wherein: the wheel support portion is coupled to the flange via a plurality of fasteners inserted through each of the plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts and each corresponding wheel support portion coupling cutout of the plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutouts such that at least a portion of the flange inner face engages the flange support and the flange is maintained against the wheel support potion; at least a portion of each respective bearing sleeve of the plurality of bearing sleeves is at least temporarily coupled to the wheel support portion via a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout of the first plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts and at least temporarily coupled to the flange via a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout of the second plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts such that at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface; and the hub is disposed around the plurality of bearing sleeves such that: at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface; and at least a portion of the flange body adjacent the flange outer portion and at least a portion of the hub support flange cooperate to maintain the hub in a substantially fixed lateral position with respect to the wheel support portion; and the plurality of bearing sleeves are configured to enable the hub to rotate substantially freely about the wheel support portion when the wheel support portion is substantially rotationally fixed.Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070

[0067] Clause 2 - The universal wheel of Clause 1 , wherein: the flange defines a plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts substantially evenly spaced about an outer portion of the flange; and the hub defines a plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts substantially evenly spaced about an outer portion of the first tire support flange each of the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts corresponding to a respective elongated wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts.

[0068] Clause 3 - The universal wheel of Clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts are dimensioned such that at least one wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts is accessible via at least a portion of at least one elongated wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts at any rotational position of the hub with respect to the wheel support portion.

[0069] Clause 4 - The universal wheel of Clause 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts and the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts are configured to receive at least a portion of a locking pin configured to selectively rotationally lock the hub with respect to the wheel support portion.

[0070] Clause 5 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the plurality of bearing sleeves comprise at least six bearing sleeves.

[0071] Clause 6 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 1 -5, wherein the first plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts comprise twenty-four bearing sleeve receiving cutouts.

[0072] Clause 7 - The universal wheel of Clause 6, wherein: the plurality of bearing sleeves comprise six bearing sleeves; and the six bearing sleeves are disposed in the fistAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts such that each bearing sleeve of the six bearing sleeves are spaced apart around the twenty four bearing sleeve receiving cutout with three unoccupied first bearing sleeve cutouts between each of the six bearing sleeves.

[0073] Clause 8 - A universal wheel comprising: a wheel support portion; a set of bearing sleeves; a hub; and a flange, wherein, the wheel support portion is configured to receive the set of bearing sleeves, the hub is disposed about a perimeter formed by an outer portion of each bearing sleeve, and the flange is coupled to the wheel support portion such that: the wheel support portion and the flange cooperate to maintain the hub between at least a portion of each of the wheel support portion and the flange with the hub disposed on a rolling surface defined by the set of bearing sleeve such that the hub is configured to rotate freely with respect to the wheel support portion and the flange when the wheel support portion and the flange are in a fixed position.

[0074] Clause 9 - The universal wheel of Clause 8, wherein the universal wheel is configured to be mounted to a vehicle via a universal hub coupled to the universal wheel, the universal hub having a universal aperture pattern.

[0075] Clause 10 - The universal wheel of Clause 9, wherein the universal hub is configured to selectively couple and decouple to and from the universal wheel.

[0076] Clause 11 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 8-10, wherein: the hub defines a plurality of locking pin receiving mechanisms configured to receiving a locking pin configured to rotationally lock the hub with respect to the wheel support portion; and the flange defines a plurality of elongated cutouts disposed about a perimeter of the flange, each of the plurality of elongated cutouts being configured to receive the lockingAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 pin such that the locking pin extends through a particular elongated cutout of the plurality of elongated cutouts when the locking pin is engaging a particular locking pin receiving mechanism of the plurality of locking pin receiving mechanisms.

[0077] Clause 12 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 8-11 , wherein the set of bearing sleeves comprise six bearing sleeves.

[0078] Clause 13 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 8-12, wherein wheel support portion and the flange are configured to cooperate to maintain each bearing sleeve in the set of bearing sleeves in a fixed lateral position with respect to the wheel support portion and the flange such that a respective body of each bearing sleeve is substantially perpendicular to each of the flange and the wheel support portion.

[0079] Clause 14 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 8-13, wherein each bearing sleeve of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the hub such that, rotation of the hub causes each bearing sleeve to rotate.

[0080] Clause 15 - A universal wheel comprising: a wheel support portion; one or more bearing sleeves; a hub defining a bearing sleeve support surface and having a tire; and a flange, wherein: the wheel support portion is configured to receive the one or more bearing sleeves; a respective portion of an outer surface of each respective bearing sleeve of the one or more bearing sleeves cooperate to define a bearing sleeve tire support surface; the hub is disposed on the bearing sleeve tire support surface; and the flange is coupled to the wheel support portion such that: the wheel support portion and the flange cooperate to maintain the hub between at least a portion of each of the wheel support portion and the flange; and the hub is configured to rotate freely on the bearingAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 sleeve tire support surface with respect to the wheel support portion when the wheel support portion is in a fixed position.

[0081] Clause 16 - The universal wheel of Clause 15 wherein: the wheel support portion comprises a bearing sleeve support defining a second bearing sleeve support surface; and each of the one or more bearing sleeves are sandwiched between the first bearing sleeve support surface and the second bearing sleeve support surface.

[0082] Clause 17 - The universal wheel of Clauses 15 or 16, wherein the one or more bearing sleeves comprise at least six bearing sleeves.

[0083] Clause 18 - The universal wheel of Clause 17, wherein: the one or more bearing sleeves comprise at least twelve bearing sleeves; and each of the at least twelve bearing sleeves are disposed substantially evenly spaced about a perimeter of the wheel support portion.

[0084] Clause 19 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses15-18, wherein the wheel support portion is configured to support a first end of each respective bearing sleeve and the flange is configured to support a second end of each respective bearing sleeve.

[0085] Clause 20 - The universal wheel of any of Clauses 15-19, wherein the respective portion of the outer surface of each respective bearing sleeve of the one or more bearing sleeves that define the bearing sleeve tire support engages at least a portion of the hub such that rotation of the hub causes each respective bearing sleeve to rotate.

Claims

Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A universal wheel comprising: a substantially circular wheel support portion comprising: a substantially tubular bearing sleeve support defining a bearing sleeve support surface; a hub support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from an outer portion of the bearing sleeve support adjacent a first side of the bearing sleeve support, the hub support flange defining: a hub support flange inner face; and a first plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the hub support flange; a flange support extending perpendicularly radially inward from an outer portion of the bearing sleeve support adjacent a second side of the bearing sleeve support, the flange support defining a plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange support; and; a universal wheel mounting portion disposed centrally to the wheel support portion relative to the flange support, the universal wheel mounting portion being configured to at least temporarily couple a universal hub to the universal wheel; a plurality of bearing sleeves, each of the plurality of bearing sleeves comprising:Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070 a substantially tubular bearing sleeve body; a shaft extending from a first end to a second end through a vacancy defined in a central portion of the bearing sleeve body; and a plurality of rolling elements disposed within the bearing sleeve body configured to enable the shaft to rotate substantially freely within the bearing sleeve body; a hub comprising: a substantially tubular bearing sleeve support portion defining a bearing sleeve support surface on an inner portion of the bearing sleeve support potion; a first tire support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from a first edge of the bearing sleeve support potion; and a second tire support flange extending perpendicularly radially outward from a second edge of the bearing sleeve support potion, wherein the hub is disposed over the plurality of bearing sleeves such that the first tire support flange is adjacent the hub support flange inner face and at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface engages at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves;Attorney Docket No: 692602-2070 a tire mounted to the hub; and a substantially circular flange comprising a flange body having a radius that corresponds to a radius of the hub support flange, the flange body defining: a flange inner portion, a flange outer portion, a flange outer face, and a flange inner face; a second plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange body, each of the second plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts corresponding to a respective bearing sleeve cutout of the first plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts; and a plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutouts disposed substantially radially evenly spaced about a circumference of the flange body, each of the plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutouts corresponding to a respective flange fastener receiving cutouts of the plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts, wherein: the wheel support portion is coupled to the flange via a plurality of fasteners inserted through each of the plurality of flange fastener receiving cutouts and each corresponding wheel support portion coupling cutout of the plurality of wheel support portion coupling cutouts such that at least a portion of the flange inner face engages the flange support and the flange isAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 maintained against the wheel support potion; at least a portion of each respective bearing sleeve of the plurality of bearing sleeves is at least temporarily coupled to the wheel support portion via a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout of the first plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts and at least temporarily coupled to the flange via a respective bearing sleeve receiving cutout of the second plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts such that at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface; and the hub is disposed around the plurality of bearing sleeves such that: at least a portion of each of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the bearing sleeve support surface; and at least a portion of the flange body adjacent the flange outer portion and at least a portion of the hub support flange cooperate to maintain the hub in a substantially fixed lateral position withAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 respect to the wheel support portion; and the plurality of bearing sleeves are configured to enable the hub to rotate substantially freely about the wheel support portion when the wheel support portion is substantially rotationally fixed.

2. The universal wheel of Claim 1 , wherein: the flange defines a plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts substantially evenly spaced about an outer portion of the flange; and the hub defines a plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts substantially evenly spaced about an outer portion of the first tire support flange each of the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts corresponding to a respective elongated wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts.

3. The universal wheel of Claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts are dimensioned such that at least one wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts is accessible via at least a portion of at least one elongated wheel lock receiving cutout of the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts at any rotational position of the hub with respect to the wheel support portion.

4. The universal wheel of Claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of wheel lock receiving cutouts and the plurality of elongated wheel lock receiving cutouts are configured toAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 receive at least a portion of a locking pin configured to selectively rotationally lock the hub with respect to the wheel support portion.

5. The universal wheel of any of Claims 1 -4, wherein the plurality of bearing sleeves comprise at least six bearing sleeves.

6. The universal wheel of any of Claims 1-5, wherein the first plurality of substantially circular bearing sleeve receiving cutouts comprise twenty-four bearing sleeve receiving cutouts.

7. The universal wheel of Claim 6, wherein: the plurality of bearing sleeves comprise six bearing sleeves; and the six bearing sleeves are disposed in the fist plurality of bearing sleeve receiving cutouts such that each bearing sleeve of the six bearing sleeves are spaced apart around the twenty four bearing sleeve receiving cutout with three unoccupied first bearing sleeve cutouts between each of the six bearing sleeves.

8. A universal wheel comprising: a wheel support portion; a set of bearing sleeves; a hub; and a flange, wherein, the wheel support portion is configured to receive the set of bearing sleeves, the hub is disposed about a perimeter formed by an outer portion ofAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 each bearing sleeve, and the flange is coupled to the wheel support portion such that: the wheel support portion and the flange cooperate to maintain the hub between at least a portion of each of the wheel support portion and the flange with the hub disposed on a rolling surface defined by the set of bearing sleeve such that the hub is configured to rotate freely with respect to the wheel support portion and the flange when the wheel support portion and the flange are in a fixed position.

9. The universal wheel of Claim 8, wherein the universal wheel is configured to be mounted to a vehicle via a universal hub coupled to the universal wheel, the universal hub having a universal aperture pattern.

10. The universal wheel of Claim 9, wherein the universal hub is configured to selectively couple and decouple to and from the universal wheel.11 The universal wheel of any of Claims 8-10, wherein: the hub defines a plurality of locking pin receiving mechanisms configured to receiving a locking pin configured to rotationally lock the hub with respect to the wheel support portion; and the flange defines a plurality of elongated cutouts disposed about a perimeter of the flange, each of the plurality of elongated cutouts being configured to receive the locking pin such that the locking pin extends through a particular elongated cutout of the plurality of elongated cutouts when the locking pin is engaging a particular locking pinAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 receiving mechanism of the plurality of locking pin receiving mechanisms.

12. The universal wheel of any of Claims 8-11 , wherein the set of bearing sleeves comprise six bearing sleeves.

13. The universal wheel of any of Claims 8-12, wherein wheel support portion and the flange are configured to cooperate to maintain each bearing sleeve in the set of bearing sleeves in a fixed lateral position with respect to the wheel support portion and the flange such that a respective body of each bearing sleeve is substantially perpendicular to each of the flange and the wheel support portion.

14. The universal wheel of any of Claims 8-13, wherein each bearing sleeve of the plurality of bearing sleeves engages at least a portion of the hub such that, rotation of the hub causes each bearing sleeve to rotate.

15. A universal wheel comprising: a wheel support portion; one or more bearing sleeves; a hub defining a bearing sleeve support surface and having a tire; and a flange, wherein: the wheel support portion is configured to receive the one or more bearing sleeves; a respective portion of an outer surface of each respectiveAttorney Docket No: 692602-2070 bearing sleeve of the one or more bearing sleeves cooperate to define a bearing sleeve tire support surface; the hub is disposed on the bearing sleeve tire support surface; and the flange is coupled to the wheel support portion such that: the wheel support portion and the flange cooperate to maintain the hub between at least a portion of each of the wheel support portion and the flange; and the hub is configured to rotate freely on the bearing sleeve tire support surface with respect to the wheel support portion when the wheel support portion is in a fixed position.

16. The universal wheel of Claim 15 wherein: the wheel support portion comprises a bearing sleeve support defining a second bearing sleeve support surface; and each of the one or more bearing sleeves are sandwiched between the first bearing sleeve support surface and the second bearing sleeve support surface.

17. The universal wheel of Claim 15 or 16, wherein the one or more bearing sleeves comprise at least six bearing sleeves.Attorney Docket No: 692602-207018. The universal wheel of Claim 17, wherein: the one or more bearing sleeves comprise at least twelve bearing sleeves; and each of the at least twelve bearing sleeves are disposed substantially evenly spaced about a perimeter of the wheel support portion.

19. The universal wheel of any of Claims 15-18, wherein the wheel support portion is configured to support a first end of each respective bearing sleeve and the flange is configured to support a second end of each respective bearing sleeve.

20. The universal wheel of any of Claims 15-19, wherein the respective portion of the outer surface of each respective bearing sleeve of the one or more bearing sleeves that define the bearing sleeve tire support engages at least a portion of the hub such that rotation of the hub causes each respective bearing sleeve to rotate.

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