Wheel assembly

摘要

A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.

主权项

1. A wheel assembly, comprising:
at least one axle; at least one wheel, wherein the wheel comprises a wheel hub receiving aperture; an axle-engaging wheel hub, wherein the wheel hub receiving aperture of the wheel is adapted to receive the axle-engaging wheel hub and wherein the axle-engaging wheel hub comprises:
an axle receiving sleeve, wherein a wheel engaging rib extends outwardly from the axle receiving sleeve and is adapted to contact an inner face of the at least one wheel when the axle-engaging wheel hub is inserted into the wheel hub receiving aperture to prevent withdrawal of the axle-engaging wheel hub from the wheel hub receiving aperture, and wherein an axle receiving bore is defined in the axle receiving sleeve for receiving the at least one axle; andat least one cantilevered arm integrally formed with the axle receiving sleeve, wherein the at least one cantilevered arm includes a lug portion for engagement with a notch defined in the at least one axle when the at least one axle is inserted into the axle receiving bore a predetermined distance to retain the axle-engaging wheel hub on the at least one axle.