CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/784,858, filed 26 December 2018, which application is herein expressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to rotational members. The rotational members of the present disclosure may be used for including but not limited to conveyor systems, casters, wheels, gears, pulleys and any other applications including a rotational member. The present disclosure more particularly relates to speed limited rotational members for such applications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Various devices are provided with rotational members for increased mobility. For example, a conventional conveyor system may include rotational members in the form of rollers. Material handling carts, industrial carts, various vehicles, medical transportation devices, chairs may be conventionally provided with rotational members in the form of casters. Skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, wheel chairs, walkers, shopping carts and the like may be conventionally provided with rotational members in the form of wheels.

[0005] It is generally desirable to reduce the rolling friction of rotational members for the ease of use and to improve overall performance. In some circumstances, however, it may be desirable to limit or dampen the rotation speed of such rotational members.

[0006] To a limited extent, certain arrangements for limiting or dampening the rotational speed of a rotational member are known. One such arrangement for limiting or dampening the rotational speed of a rotational members is shown and described in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602. The speed limited wheel of U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602 includes a three brake elements, for example. Each brake element defines a convexly curved friction surface and is independently coupled to a wheel main body and an overmold subassembly such that the brake elements each rotate with the wheel main body and overmold subassembly about a rotational axis of the wheel main body and overmold subassembly and may pivot about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel main body and overmold subassembly. As the rotational speed of the wheel increases, the brake elements are forced radially outward to engage a cooperating surface of the bushing/brake body and overmold subassembly. This engagement or rubbing produces friction that limits or dampens the rotational speed of the wheel. As the wheel rotates faster, the frictional force increases. U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602 is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0007] While known arrangements for limiting or dampening the rotational speed of rotational members may have proven to be suitable for their intended purposes, a continuous need for improvement exists.

SUMMARY

[0008] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0009] According to a particular aspect, the present teachings provide a speed limited rotational member including a first member, a second member and first and second brake elements. The first and second brake elements are pivotally mounted to the first member for both pivoting between a first position spaced apart from a cooperating surface of the second member and a second position engaging the cooperating surface of the second member for generating friction to reduce a rotational speed of the rotational member. The speed limited rotational member further includes at least one linkage connecting the first and second brake elements.

[0010] According to another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a roller assembly for a conveyor system. The roller assembly includes a shaft, a first end cap, a puck, collar, spring stop, first and second brake elements, main body portion, a hub and at least one linkage. The first end cap is rotatably carried on the shaft. The puck is disposed in a recess of the first end cap and is rotatable relative to the first end cap. The puck has a central opening through which the shaft passes. The central opening allowing the puck to rotate relative to the shaft. The first and second brake elements are pivotably mounted to the puck. The first and second brake elements both pivot between a first position and a second position. The hub circumferentially surrounds the first and second brake elements. The hub is connected / stationary to the shaft. The at least one linkage connects the first and second brake elements. In the first positions, the brake elements allow free rotation of the hub about the shaft and in the second positions the brake elements frictionally engage the hub to reduce a rotational speed.

[0011] According to a yet another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a method of reducing a rotational speed of a rotational member. The method includes providing a cylindrical hub . The method additionally includes pivotally mounting first and second brake elements to a plate and linking the first and second brake elements with a linkage. The method further includes pivoting each brake element between a first position spaced apart from the cylindrical flange of the brake hub and a second position engaging the cylindrical flange of the brake hub generating friction to reduce a rotational speed of the rotational member.

[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a speed limited rotational member in accordance with the present teachings.

[0015] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section of the speed limited rotational member of Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 3A is perspective view of an end cap of the speed limited rotational member of Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 3B is an end view of the end cap of Figure 3A.

[0018] Figure 4 is a linkage of the speed limited rotational member of Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 5A is perspective view of a hub of the speed limited rotational member of Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 5B is an end view of the hub of Figure 5A.

[0021] Figure 6 is an exploded end view of the optional down pressure reduction component of Figures 1 and 2. [0022] Figure 6A is an end view of the down pressure reduction component of Figure 6.

[0023] Figure 6B is a side view of the down pressure reduction component of Figure 6.

[0024] Figures 6C is an end view of the collar of Figures 1 and 2.

[0025] Figure 7 A is end view of a weight assembly of the speed limited rotational member of the present teachings, the weight assembly shown in a first operational state for permitting free rotation of the rotational member.

[0026] Figure 7B is an end view of a weight assembly of the speed limited rotational member of the present teachings similar to Figure 7A, the weight assembly shown in a second operational state for permitting dampening rotation of the rotational member.

[0027] Figure 7C is a view similar to Figure 7A shown with the linkages removed for purposes of illustration and shown with different weights and spring stop component.

[0028] Figure 7D is a view of the brake elements of Figure 7C with the linkages.

[0029] Figure 8A is an exploded side view of an alternative hub assembly with down pressure reduction of the present teachings.

[0030] Figure 8B is a longitudinal cross section of the hub assembly with down pressure reduction of Figure 8A.

[0031] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a speed limited wheel in accordance with the present teachings.

[0032] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the speed limited wheel of Figure 9.

[0033] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the speed limited wheel of Figure 9 including an end cap, first and second weights and first and second sliding elements.

[0034] Figure 12 is another perspective view of the subassembly of Figure 10 with the external adjustable first and second sliding elements.

[0035] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0037] The present application improves upon the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602. To the extend not otherwise described herein, it will be appreciated that details of exemplary applications incorporating the speed limited rotational member of the present teachings may be similar to corresponding details shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602.

[0038] With initial reference to Figures 1 through 7D of the drawings, a speed limited rotational member in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10. In the particularly embodiment illustrated, the present teachings are particularly adapted for a speed limited rotational member for a conveyor system. It will be understood, however, that the present teachings may be readily modified for other applications.

[0039] The speed limited rotational member 10 is generally shown to include a shaft 12, a first end cap with braking mechanism / housing 14, a hub 16, at least one linkage 18, first and second brake elements 20, an external roller tube 22, a puck 26, a collar 28, a spring stop 30, and a second end cap 32. The speed limited rotational member 10 is shown to optionally include a down pressure reduction assembly cooperatively defined by a down pressure reduction component 24, the puck 26 and the collar 28.

[0040] The end cap 14 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a central opening 34 through which the shaft 12 passes. The shaft 12 may have a hexagonal cross section. At one end, the end cap 14 defines a recess 36 for receiving a first bearing (now shown). The first bearing may include an inner race non-rotatably receiving the shaft 12 and an outer race that permits the end cap 14 to rotate relative to the shaft 12. At an opposite second end, the end cap 14 defines a cylindrical recess 38 that rotatable receiving the puck 26. The collar 28 holds the puck 26 in the recess 38.

[0041] The hub 16 has an opening that receives the shaft 12. In the embodiment illustrated, the opening is hexagonal such that the shaft 12 is non-rotatable received by the hub 16.

[0042] The end cap 32 includes a central opening 52 that rotatable receives the shaft 12. The end cap 32 defines a recess 36 for receiving a second bearing (now shown). The second bearing may include an inner race non-rotatably receiving the shaft 12 and an outer race that permits the end cap 32 to rotate relative to the shaft 12.

[0043] As will be addressed herein, the first and second brake elements 20 normally allow the external roller tube 22 to rotate freely about the shaft 12 and engage the hub 16 to slow this free rotation in response to an increase in rotational speed. The brake elements 20 may be constructed of plastic and may carry a plurality of metal weights 40. The brake elements 20 are arch-shaped and include a first end 42 pivotably coupled to the puck 26. In the embodiment illustrated, a pin 44 attaches to the down pressure reduction component 24, through the brake element 20 and engages the puck 26. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in certain applications, the speed limited rotational member may be adapted to include a greater or lesser number of brake elements within the scope of the present teachings.

[0044] As perhaps best shown in the views of Figures 7A and 7B, at least one linkage 18 connects the first and second brake elements 20. Preferably, the first and second linkages 18 connect the first and second brake elements 20. The brake elements 20 may each carry or be formed to include first and second pins 46. The pins 46 of the brake elements 20 are received in opposite ends of the linkages 18. The linkages 18 operates to tie both brake elements 20 together. In this manner, the variable of gravity of the individual brake elements 20 as the brake elements 20 are rotated is eliminated. Explaining further, if the brake elements 20 are not coupled with the linkages 18, rotation of an individual weight over the top of the axle and back down may cause the weight to contact the non-spinning hub and thereby create a "pulsing" action of the brake. When the two weights are linked together, the top weight will goes up if the other weight goes down. Where the two weights are of equal mass, the bottom weight will not fall onto the non-spinning hub because of the link and "pulsing" is eliminated. The only way the weights will move radially outward is by centrifugal forces.

[0045] Each brake element 20 is shown to define a convexly curved surface. For example, these surfaces may be convexly curved surfaces for directly engaging cooperating surface of the hub 16, with or without a friction element 50, may carry a friction member having a greater coefficient of friction as compared to the surface. The friction member 50 may extend parallel to the axial direction and may engage the inner surface of the hub 16. In the embodiment illustrated, the friction members 50 may be constructed with suitable material.

[0046] As the rotational speed of the external roller tube 22 increases, the brake elements 20 are forced radially outward from a first position (as shown in Figure 7 A) to a second position (as shown in Figure 7B). In the first position, the external roller tube 22 is allowed to freely rotate. In the second position, rotation of the external roller tube is slowed. Explaining further, the frictional members 50 engage the inner surface of the hub 16. This engagement or rubbing produces friction that limits or dampens the relative rotational speed. As the external roller tube 22 rotates faster, the frictional force increases.

[0047] The size of the weights 40 and the location of the contact points of the friction elements 50 to the hub 16 contribute to the amount of brake force applied. The friction elements 50 may be of different materials to achieve a desired coefficient of friction. In addition, while not required for particular application, springs 56 may be employed to further determine how much braking force is applied and when the braking force is applied. Such springs are further shown and described in U.S Patent No. 9,776,602. In addition to effecting the strength of the brake force, such springs 56 may be incorporated to allow the rotational device to have a“free spin” (e.g., no braking engagement of the braking elements with the hub) at low rotational speeds, for example. As shown particularly in Figure 7C, the springs may be connected at first ends to pegs carried by the brake elements 20 and at second ends to pegs carried by the puck 26.

[0048] The collar 28 is fixed for rotation to the end cap 14 and secures the puck 26 rotatably within the end of the end cap 14. As will be discussed below, the collar may alternatively be fixed to the hub 16 to secure the puck 26 rotatably within the hub 16. The puck 26 is allowed to rotate freely but is securely within the end cap 14 (or hub 16) in order to support the braking elements 20 and the main body portion 57. As shown particularly in Figure 6C, the collar 28 has at least peg to receive one end of a spring. The other end of the spring is connected to at least one peg of the puck 26. In the embodiment illustrated, the collar 28 and the puck 26 both include first and second pegs to cooperate with first and second springs. The springs function to bias the external roller tube 22 in a counter direction of the normal tube rotation to accomplish a reduction of down pressure of packages on the external roller tube.

[0049] The optional down pressure reduction assembly cooperatively defined by the down pressure reduction component 24, the puck 26 and the collar 28 cooperates with the brake elements 20 to create a backspin of the puck 26. The the down pressure reduction component 24is shown particularly in the exploded view of Figure 6 and the additional views of Figures 6A and 6B. The down pressure reduction component 24 includes a main body portion 57 defining a plurality of radially extending holes 58 and a central opening 60. The central opening 60 rotatable receives the shaft 12. In the embodiment illustrated, the main body portion 57 defines four radially extending holes 58. Each hole 58 receives a friction element 62 and a spring 64. The springs 64 keep the friction elements 62 under a spring force that will keep the friction elements in constant contact with the inside of the hub 16 to activate/rotate the puck 26 inserted in the end cap 14, that is also under spring force. Once a package on the roller tube 22 of a conveyor is removed, the roller tube 22 will rotate back to a neutral position.

[0050] With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, an alternative hub assembly 70 in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. In this alternative construction, the puck 26 is moved from the end cap 14 to the hub 16. The puck 26 can be designed within the end cap 14with the braking mechanism or within the hub 16. When the brake mechanism and the main body portion 57 is engaged, it rotates the puck 26 up to the spring tension that the puck 26 is connected to. The other end of the spring is connected to the collar 28 or the hub 16.

[0051] Turning to Figures 9 through 12, another speed limited rotational member in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 100. In the particularly embodiment illustrated, the present teachings are particularly adapted for a speed limited wheel. The speed limited wheel 100 is shown to generally include a hub 102, a first end cap 104, a rim and tire component 106, a second end cap 108, first and second weights 1 10, first and second sliding elements 1 12, and first and second linkages 1 14.

[0052] The brake elements 1 10 are similar in construction and function to the brake elements 1 10 of the speed limited rotational member 10. The brake elements 1 10 are pivotally coupled to the end plate 108 for movement between retracted positions and extended positions. As with the speed limited rotational member 10, when the brake elements 1 10 are in the retracted positions, the brake elements 1 10 do not contact the hub 102 and the wheel 100 freely rotates. In the extended positions, the brake elements 1 10 or a supplemental friction member carried by the brake elements 1 10 frictional engage the hub 102 to slow or stop rotation of the wheel 100. The brake elements 1 10 are shown to include openings 120 )Steve, In fig 100 you have 1 12 as the connect material. Fig 100 does not have the slide 1 12.) for receiving friction members such as friction members 50.

[0053] The brake elements 1 10 are coupled to one another by the first and second linkages 1 14 such that the brake elements move in unison between the retracted and extended positions as the wheel rotates and as the RPMs of the wheel increases. This linkages 1 14 function to eliminate or substantially eliminate any adverse effect from gravity and thereby provide a more uniform braking performance. [0054] The first and second brake elements 1 10 are associated with the first and second sliding elements 1 12, respectively. The sliding elements 1 12 are fixed to the end cap 108 but slidably adjustable relative to the corresponding brake elements 1 10. The sliding elements 1 12 enable the braking force of the first and second brake elements 1 10 to be adjustable externally. The sliding elements 1 12 are each attached to end of a corresponding spring. The other end of each spring is attached to the corresponding brake elements 1 10. The strength of the springs can be selected or the sliding elements 1 12 can be adjusted so as to change the compression of that spring. In this manner, the brake elements 1 10 can operate to brake all the time, not at all, and at selected rotational speeds in between. When the wheel increases RPMs, the brake elements 1 10 move toward their extended positions (e.g., protrude radially outward) due to centrifugal forces and cause the brake elements 1 10 to frictionally come into contact with the hub 102. This contact creates friction which thereby dampens the RPMs or rotational speed of the wheel 100.

[0055] The hub 102 does not rotate. In this regard, the hub 102 may be non- rotationally carried on an axle or non-rotationally compressed between inner races of two bearings (not specifically shown). The end cap 104 provides structural support for the wheel 100 and serves to enclose the internal components of the wheel 100. The end cap 108 similarly provides structural support for the wheel 100 and an enclosure for the internal components of the wheel 100. The rim and tire component 106 functions as structural support and carries material that is in contact with the surface the wheel 100 runs. Both end caps 104 and 108 are secured to the rim and tire 106.

[0056] In addition to the above described applications, the speed limited rotational member of the present teachings may be incorporated into virtually any application incorporating a rotational member. In addition to the particular applications described above, the present teachings may be readily adapted for applications including into a wheel or other rotational member with bearings or axel. An exemplary application of such an arrangement is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,776,602.

[0057] The foregoing description of the embodiment(s) has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. One or more example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.