Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to castors and wheels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a wheel assembly for a foldable leg.
BACKGROUND
Air coolers are widely used for cooling a region. The air coolers are usually provided with their stands, which carries the air cooler. The stand of the air cooler includes wheels that allows maneuverability of the air cooler from one place to another place and thereby providing comfort to a user.
Conventional stands of the air cooler are provided with wheels or castors that are made of a metallic material, for example, iron or steel. Since, the air coolers require water to provide cooling to the region, therefore, the stands come in frequent contact with water, which causes rusting of the wheels. Sometimes, the moisture present in the air may corrode the wheel, which damages the wheel. Rusting of wheels may immobilize the wheel and thereby affecting the functionality of the wheels.
Owing to the fact that, the wheels are the crucial components of a stand as the wheels carry the load of whole stand and the cooler placed on the stand, therefore, the wheels must be maintained in a good condition. This requires frequent monitoring of the wheels. Once, corrosion in the wheels is detected, the wheels are painted with a suitable paint or lotion to avoid rusting. However, the paint is not well suitable as the paint cannot spread at majority of the locations in a wheel assembly. Locking of conventional wheels at a specified location to avoid un-necessary motion of the stand while the cooler is in use, is also a cringe-worthy task for the user. Locking mechanism in the conventional wheels is not a suitable place, which is not easily accessible to the user.
Also, the conventional wheels are rigid and cannot allow the user to efficiently pack the stand when the cooler is not in use.
Therefore, there exists a need for an efficient wheel assembly that is capable of solving aforementioned problems of the conventional wheel assemblies.
SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing, a wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a wheel having a core portion. The core portion includes a plurality of protrusions that extend along an axial direction of the core portion such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is adapted to impart strength to the core portion.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, a wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a horn, a wheel rotatably disposed in the horn. The wheel includes a core portion that includes a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions extends along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is adapted to impart strength to the core portion. The wheel assembly further includes a lever coupled to the horn, and adapted to exhibit at least one of, a first position and a second position, wherein, (i) in the first position, the lever locks the wheel and (ii) in the second position, the lever unlocks the wheel.
In some embodiments, the wheel assembly is made up of a polymeric material.
In some embodiments, the wheel assembly further includes a flap that is disposed in the horn and coupled to the lever such that when the lever is turned, the flap exhibits one of, (i) an engagement with the wheel in the first position and (ii) a disengagement with the wheel in the second position.
In some embodiments, the wheel further comprising a tread portion such that (i) upon engagement with the tread portion, the flap locks the wheel and (ii) upon disengagement with the tread portion, the flap unlocks the wheel.
In some aspects, a foldable leg is disclosed. The foldable leg includes a wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a horn, a wheel rotatably disposed in the horn. The wheel includes a core portion that includes a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions extends along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is adapted to impart strength to the core portion. The wheel assembly further includes a lever coupled to the horn, and adapted to exhibit at least one of, a first position and a second position, wherein, (i) in the first position, the lever locks the wheel and (ii) in the second position, the lever unlocks the wheel.
In some embodiments, the foldable leg includes a proximal end such that the foldable leg is pivotally coupled to a base portion of an article from the proximal end, wherein the foldable leg is pivotable to exhibit a folded position and an open position, wherein the foldable leg in the folded position is flushed with a notch provided at the base portion and the foldable leg in the open position projects out from the notch.
In some embodiments, the foldable leg includes a distal end such that the wheel assembly is coupled to the distal end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel assembly, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the wheel assembly of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view of the wheel assembly of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting plate of the wheel assembly of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein; and
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a perspective view of an article, in accordance with an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wheel assembly for a foldable leg. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional embodiments and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various embodiments including the example embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described specifically to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to a wheel assembly for a foldable leg.
As mentioned, there remains a need for an efficient wheel assembly for a folding leg. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a wheel assembly mounted on the folding leg such that the folding leg is suitably foldable in a closed position. Further, the wheel assembly of the present disclosure facilitates easy locking and material of the wheel assembly is made up of a polymeric material that avoids rusting of the wheel assembly.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The wheel assembly 100 may be adapted to facilitate movement of an article, for example, an evaporative air cooler. In some embodiments, the article may include but not limited to, a television cabinet, a television stand, a pedestal, a furniture article, and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of article, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The wheel assembly 100 may include a mounting plate 102, a horn 104, a wheel 106, and a lever 108. The wheel 106 may include a core portion 110 and a tread portion 112.
In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may be made up of a polymeric material. Specifically, the wheel assembly 100 may be made up of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may be made up of a rust-proof material. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials.
The mounting plate 102 may be adapted to mount the wheel assembly 100 on a surface of an article. Specifically, the mounting plate 102 may be adapted to mount the wheel assembly 100 on a leg of an air cooler.
The horn 104 may be coupled to the mounting plate 102. Specifically, the horn 104 may be rotatably coupled to the mounting plate 102. In other words, the mounting plate 102 may exhibit rotation with respect to the horn 104 to adjust position of the wheel assembly 100.
In some embodiments, a layer of bearings (not shown) may be disposed between the mounting plate 102 and the horn 104 to facilitate rotation between the mounting plate 102 and the horn 104.
The wheel 106 may be rotatably disposed in the horn 104. Specifically, the wheel 106 may be rotatably coupled to the horn 104 by way of a first fastener 107. The core portion 110 may include a plurality of protrusions 116a-116n (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the protrusions 116”). Each protrusion of the protrusions 116 may extend along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion 110. Each protrusion of the protrusions 116 may be adapted to impart strength to the core portion 110. The tread portion 112 of the wheel may be abut with a ground surface such that the wheel 106 rolls over the ground surface.
In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may have 8 protrusions. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may have 12 protrusions.
In some embodiments, the wheel 106 may be made up of a compounding material. The term “compounding” as used herein refers to a process of melt blending plastics with other additives. The compounding material may advantageously facilitate the wheel 106 to carry greater loads with a great ease.
The lever 108 may be coupled to the horn 104. The lever 108 may be rotatably coupled to the horn 104 by way of a second fastener 109. Specifically, the lever 108 may be rotatably coupled to a side of the horn 104 such that the lever 108 may be turned. The lever 108 may exhibit at least one of, a first position and a second position. The lever 108, in the first position may lock the wheel 106 and the lever 108, in the second position may unlock the wheel 106. The lever 108 may be easily operable by a user. Specifically, by virtue of positioning of the lever 108 on the horn 104, the user may easily switch the lever 108 from the first position to the second position and vice-versa.
FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the wheel assembly 100 of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein. FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view of the wheel assembly 100 of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The wheel assembly 100 may further include a flap 202. The flap 202 may be disposed on the horn 104. The flap 202 may be coupled to the horn 104 by way of a third fastener 111. The flap 202 may further be coupled to the lever 108. The lever 108 may be rotated or turned to lock and unlock the wheel 106. In other words, the lever 108, when turned in the first position, may facilitate an engagement of the flap 202 with the wheel 106. The lever 108, when turned in the second position, may facilitate a disengagement of the flap 202 with the wheel 106. Specifically, the flap 202, upon rotation of the lever 108 in the first position, abuts with the tread portion 112 to lock the wheel 106 (i.e., engagement of the flap 202 with the wheel 106). The flap 202, upon rotation of the lever 108 in the second position, may not abut with the tread portion 112 to unlock the wheel 106 (i.e., disengagement of the flap 202 with the wheel 106).
FIG. 3 illustrates the mounting plate 102 of the wheel assembly 100 of the FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The mounting plate 102 may include a plurality of holes 302a-302d (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the holes 302”). The mounting plate 102 may further include a rib pattern 304 and an aperture 306. The holes 302 may facilitate coupling of the wheel assembly 100 on the surface of the article. Specifically, the holes 302 may facilitate coupling of the wheel assembly 100 on the leg of the air cooler. The holes 302 may allow passage of a plurality of fasteners (not shown) to facilitate coupling of the wheel assembly 100 on the surface of the article. The rib pattern 304 may facilitate grip of the mounting plate 102 with the surface of the article, which avoids misalignment of the mounting plate 102, while installation/coupling of the mounting plate 102 on the surface of the article. The aperture 306 may allow passage of the third fastener 111 from the mounting plate 102 to facilitate coupling of the flap 202 to the horn 104 by way of the third fastener 111.
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a perspective view of an article 400, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The article 400 may include a base portion 402. The base portion 402 may include a plurality of foldable legs 404a-404d (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the foldable legs 404” and individually referred to and designated as “the foldable leg 404a”).
Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the base portion 402 with two legs of the foldable legs 404 in a folded position and two legs of the foldable legs 404 in an open position. Specifically, FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the base portion 402 with the foldable legs 404 in the open position. The base portion 402 may further include a plurality of notches 406a-406d (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the notches 406” and individually referred to and designated as “the notch 406a”). The foldable leg 404a may include the wheel assembly 100. The foldable leg 404a may further include a proximal end 408 and a distal end 410. The wheel assembly 100 may be coupled to the distal end 410. The foldable leg 404a may be pivotally coupled to the base portion 402. Specifically, the foldable leg 404a may be pivotally coupled to the notch 406a of the base portion 402 from the proximal end 408. The foldable leg 404a may be pivotable to exhibit the folded position and the open position. For example, the first and second foldable legs 404a and 404b may exhibit the folded position and third and fourth foldable legs 404c and 404d may exhibit the open position (as shown in FIG. 4A). The foldable legs 404 may exhibit the open position (as shown in FIG. 4B). The foldable leg 404a, in the folded position, may flush with the notch 406a and the foldable leg 404a, in the open position, may project out from the notch 406a.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, while packaging the article 400, each of the foldable legs 404 may exhibit the folded position.
Although, FIG. 4A and 4B explains about the construction, functionality, and configuration of one foldable leg and one notch (i.e., the foldable leg 404a and the notch 406a), however, the foldable legs and the notches (i.e., the foldable legs 404b-404c and the notches 406b-406d) exhibit same construction, functionality, and configuration as being explained for the foldable leg 404a and the notch 406a, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, the wheel assembly 100 and the foldable leg 404a may provide following advantages that may be derived from the structural and functional aspects of the wheel assembly 100 and the foldable leg 404a: -
- The wheel assembly 100 is made up of plastic material, which prevents rusting of the wheel assembly 100.
- The lever 108 is coupled at the side of the horn 104 that allows an operator to easily switch from the lever 108 from the first position to the second position and vice-versa.
- The wheel assembly 100 is a rugged structure and therefore is not easily broken while use.
- By virtue of material of the wheel assembly 100, the wheel assembly 100 is easy to assemble.
- The foldable leg 404a is foldable, which facilitates easy packaging of the article.
- The foldable legs 404 exhibit the folded position that results in saving occupancy space associated with the article 400.
- The wheel assembly 100 provides more stability to the article 400.
- The protrusions 116 provides strength to the core portion 110 of the wheel 106.
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or embodiments may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or embodiments other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive embodiments lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect of the present disclosure.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
, Claims:I/We claim(s)

1. A wheel assembly (100) comprising:
a wheel (106) comprising:
a core portion (110) comprising a plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) that extend along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion (110) such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) is adapted to impart strength to the core portion (110).

2. A wheel assembly (100) comprising:
a horn (104);
a wheel (106) rotatably disposed in the horn (104), the wheel (106) comprising:
a core portion (110) comprising a plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) that extend along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion (110) such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) is adapted to impart strength to the core portion (110); and
a lever (108) coupled to the horn (104), and adapted to exhibit at least one of, a first position and a second position, wherein, (i) in the first position, the lever (108) locks the wheel (106) and (ii) in the second position, the lever (108) unlocks the wheel (106).

3. The wheel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel assembly (100) is made up of a polymeric material.

4. The wheel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a flap (202) that is disposed in the horn (104) and coupled to the lever (108) such that when the lever (108) is turned, the flap (202) exhibits one of, (i) an engagement with the wheel (106) in the first position and (ii) a disengagement with the wheel (106) in the second position.

5. The wheel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wheel (106) further comprising a tread portion (112) such that (i) upon engagement with the tread portion (112), the flap (202) locks the wheel (106) and (ii) upon disengagement with the tread portion (112), the flap (202) unlocks the wheel (106).

6. A foldable leg (404a) comprising:
a wheel assembly (100) comprising:
a horn (104);
a wheel (106) rotatably disposed in the horn (104), the wheel (106) comprising:
a core portion (110) comprising a plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) that extend along an axial direction (X-X’) of the core portion (110) such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (116a-116n) is adapted to impart strength to the core portion (110); and
a lever (108) coupled to the horn (104), and adapted to exhibit at least one of, a first position and a second position, wherein, (i) in the first position, the lever (108) locks the wheel (106) and (ii) in the second position, the lever (108) unlocks the wheel (106).

7. The foldable leg (404a) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a proximal end (408) such that the foldable leg (404a) is pivotally coupled to a base portion (402) of an article (400) from the proximal end (408), wherein the foldable leg (404a) is pivotable to exhibit a folded position and an open position, wherein the foldable leg (404a) in the folded position is flushed with a notch (406a) provided at the base portion (402) and the foldable leg (404a) in the open position projects out from the notch (406a).

8. The foldable leg (404a) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a distal end (410) such that the wheel assembly (100) is coupled to the distal end (410).

9. The foldable leg (404a) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wheel assembly (100) is made up of a polymeric material.

10. The foldable leg (404a) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wheel assembly (100) further comprising a flap (202) that is disposed in the horn (104) and coupled to the lever (108) such that when the lever (108) is turned, the flap (202) exhibits one of, (i) an engagement with the wheel (106) in the first position and (ii) a disengagement with the wheel (106) in the second position.

11. The foldable leg (404a) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wheel (106) further comprising a tread portion (112) such that (i) upon engagement with the tread portion (112), the flap (202) locks the wheel (106) and (ii) upon disengagement with the tread portion (112), the flap (202) unlocks the wheel (106).