Locking casters are mobility-assistance devices that can be locked and unlocked. Caster locks most often consist of a step-on lever that secures the caster and locks the swivel in position so that the object to which the caster is attached is immobilized. Locking casters are safety features that prevent unwanted rolling or equipment spilling.
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A caster is a tool that is attached to an object in order to make it mobile. When equipped with a lock, a caster's mobility can be controlled easily. The lock mechanism in the locking caster system is simple to operate. The food processing, medical, furniture manufacturing, storage, construction, theatre and film industries all use equipment, furniture and shelving that have locking casters. Equipment tables like mobile workstations, kitchen islands, computer desks and lab equipment stands can be affixed with casters when their applications require them to move around often. Their casters also have a swivel locking mechanism so that they will remain in one place and the equipment will not fall. Sound and lighting equipment for plays and movie sets are frequently repositioned and moved around, but when they are being used, they must remain immobile. Perhaps the most important application for locking casters is on hospital beds. Patients are often transported to different units within hospitals, requiring the beds to have wheels. Locks are also necessary in order to keep the patients safe.
Locking casters are designed in several ways. The most common is the step-on lever. Depressing a lever on the caster's lock activates the locking mechanism; either a pulling or pushing motion can then be used to disengage the lock. The locking hardware is attached to the wheel housing and ensures that the wheel will not rotate. Double locking casters go a step further. In addition to keeping the wheel motionless, they also ensure that the caster will not swivel. These levers are either welded or bolted onto the metal caster part, and they are usually made of stainless steel. Floor locks are an alternative to locking casters that provide the same function but through a completely different design. They are metal bars bolted to the bottom of the furniture. When locking is desired, the bar, like a kick stand, is lowered to the floor. They grip to the floor using suction cups or rubber grips, and to deactivate their locking mechanism, they can be kicked back into their stationary position.
