US 11,926,175 B2
Magnetic apparatus for centering caster wheels
Christopher C. Langenfeld, Nashua, NH (US)
Assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership, Manchester, NH (US)
Filed by DEKA Products Limited Partnership, Manchester, NH (US)
Filed on Aug. 3, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/983,732.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/881,716, filed on Aug. 1, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0031561 A1, Feb. 4, 2021
Int. Cl. B60B 33/02 (2006.01); B60P 3/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/02 (2020.01)
CPC B60B 33/02 (2013.01) [B60P 3/007 (2013.01); G05D 1/0231 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A caster mount on a vehicle for controlling the rotational position of the caster comprising:
a first part mounted on the vehicle;
a second part, including the wheel, is rotatably mounted within the first part, the second part rotating about an axis and having a rotational position with respect to the first part, and the second part having a design position; and
a magnetic means that applies a magnetic force on the second part, the magnetic force increasing with an angular difference between the rotational position and the design position, the magnetic means comprising:
a rotary plurality of elements mounted in the second part about the axis; and
a fixed plurality of elements mounted in the first part, concentric to the rotary plurality of elements, wherein the fixed plurality of elements apply magnetic force on the rotary plurality of elements;
wherein the rotary plurality of elements comprises a first group of magnets with north poles facing away from the caster wheel and a second group of magnets with north poles facing toward the caster wheel.