1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to plastic containers for rubbish, and the like, and is directed more particularly to a wheeled container having improved wheel mounting means.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Wheeled containers for rubbish, refuse, and the like, are generally well-known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,014,475, issued January 1912, to Chester L. Holloway; U.S. Pat. No. 3,366,397, issued Jan. 30, 1968, to Charles F. Zeilstra et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,539, issued Sep. 28, 1982, to Michael S. Rodolakis; U.S. Design Pat. No. 218,359, issued Aug. 11, 1970, to William J. Marsh; and U.S. Design Pat. No. 231,184, issued Apr. 9, 1974, to Thomas E. Brown et al.
Such containers typically are molded of plastics material. Wheel assemblies for such containers often include two wheels mounted on a single rigid axle, usually of metal. The container may be molded with axle holes therein or axle holes may be cut in the container after molding. The axle usually is inserted through the two holes. One wheel may be fixed to the axle before attachment of the axle to the container but the remaining wheel must be fixed to the axle after the axle is in place. Alternatively, there may be molded in a bottom surface of the container a groove for receiving the axle. In such case, an axle with both wheels fixed thereto may be placed in the groove. The groove is then closed, at least in part, by a bracket, or the like, fixed to the container by fasteners.
There is a need for such a container having a wheel assembly which may be pre-assembled and mounted, as is, on the container quickly and easily without the need to bore holes in the container, attach wheels to axles (other than during pre-assembly of the wheel assemblies), or attach axle-retaining brackets to the container.