IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,495,923
Granted Patent B2
US 12,495,923 · App. 17/510,864 · Granted Dec 16, 2025

Wheel system, kit and method

Inventors: Arlen Olsen (Clifton Park, NY); Joel Price (Germantown, MD)
Assignee: BANNACK MEDICAL LLC
A47H13/00A47H1/06A47H15/04A47H23/10
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,495,923
App. No.
17/510,864
Granted
Dec 16, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed is a wheel system and a kit and method, for use with a track, said wheel system comprising: a wheel carriage; a set of wheels, attached to the wheel carriage; —a link, having a first end, releasably attached to the wheel carriage and a second end releasably attached to an extension. Also, disclosed is a wheel system, for use with a track, the wheel system having a wheel carriage; a set of wheels, attached to the wheel carriage; —a link, having a first end, operatively attached to the wheel carriage; wherein angles of the wheels and the width of the wheel carriage are sized to fit into multiple sizes of tracks.

Claims (21)

1 . A wheel system, for use with a track, said wheel system comprising:

a wheel carriage, wherein the wheel carriage includes axles and an opening;

a set of wheels, attached to the axles of the wheel carriage;

a ball-chain link having a plurality of linked balls, wherein a ball on a first end of the ball-chain link is releasably inserted into the opening of the wheel carriage using a press fit wherein the ball on the first end is press fit over a nib and retained by the nib, wherein the opening of the wheel carriage has slot for receiving a line or wire between the ball of the first end of the ball-chain link and the adjacent ball to the ball on the first end of the ball-chain link, and wherein a ball on a second end of the ball-chain link is releasably inserted into an opening of an extension connector or an end cap extending from an end of a rod, wherein the opening of the extension connector or end cap has a slot for receiving a line or wire between the ball of the second end of the ball-chain link and the adjacent ball to the second end of the ball-chain link, wherein the extension connector or end cap has a cylindrical opening adapted to receive the ball of the second end of the ball-chain link, wherein the cylindrical opening includes a first diameter for receiving the ball of the second end of the ball-chain link and a second diameter or reduced diameter for engaging and releasably retaining the ball of the second end of the ball-chain link.

2 . The wheel system of claim 1 wherein the rod is a hollow rod made of one of nylon, acrylic or other polymer.

3 . A kit, wherein the kit comprises:

the wheel system as claimed in claim 1 , and

a second wheel system.

4 . The kit of claim 3 , wherein the first wheel system has wheels with a first axle angle and the second wheel system has wheels with a second axle angle, wherein the second axle angle is different from the first axle angle.

5 . The kit of claim 3 , wherein the first wheel system has wheels of a first size and the second wheel system has wheels of a second size, wherein the second size is different from the first size.

6 . The kit of claim 3 , wherein the first wheel system and the second wheel system are wheel systems that are different and the different wheel systems are interchangeable.

7 . The kit of claim 3 , wherein the first wheel system and the second wheel system have different sized wheel carriages.

8 . The wheel system of claim 1 , wherein the rod is a hollow tube and the extension connector or the end cap has a cylindrical portion which is inserted into the hollow tube or rod.

9 . The wheel system of claim 1 , wherein the opening of the wheel carriage has a first diameter and the nib in the opening has a second diameter so that the ball on the first end of the ball-chain link must be press-fitted over the nib to engage and be held in the center of the opening.

10 . The wheel system of claim 1 , wherein the nib is tapered so that the ball on the first end of the ball-chain link may be slid over the nib to be held in place.

11 . The wheel system of claim 1 , wherein the extension connector or end cap further includes a cylindrical portion for engagement with one of an extension or a quick release system, said cylindrical portion further including a catch for attachment to the extension or quick release, wherein said catch is a plurality of protrusions tapered along an axis of the cylinder, including at least one protrusion adapted for engaging with openings within the extension.

12 . A wheel system, comprising:

a wheel carriage, wherein the wheel carriage includes axles and an opening;

a set of wheels, attached to the axles of the wheel carriage;

a ball-chain link having a plurality of linked balls, wherein a ball on a first end of the ball-chain link is releasably inserted into the opening of the wheel carriage using a press fit wherein the ball on the first end is press fit over a nib and retained by the nib, wherein the opening of the wheel carriage has a slot for receiving a line or wire between the ball of the first end of the ball-chain link and the adjacent ball to the ball on the first end of the ball-chain link, and wherein a ball on a second end of the ball-chain link is releasably inserted into an opening of an extension connector or an end cap extending from an end of a rod, wherein the extension connector or end cap includes an opening sized for receiving the ball on the second end of the ball-chain link, wherein said opening is cylindrical and has a length and a diameter and further comprises a nib for holding the ball on the second end of the ball-chain link, wherein said nib reduces the diameter of the cylinder as compared to the opening for receiving the ball on the second of the ball-chain link, wherein the opening of the extension connector or end cap has a slot for receiving a line or wire between the ball of the second end of the ball-chain link and the adjacent ball to the second end of the ball-chain link.

13 . The wheel system of claim 12 , wherein the set of wheels is interchangeable with a second set of wheels.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 26, 2021
From: OLSEN, ARLEN; PRICE, JOEL
To: BANNACK MEDICAL LLC
Reel/Frame 057916/0365 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation In Part 17510787 · Oct 26, 2021
Related Publication 20230127236A1 · Apr 27, 2023
References Cited (144)
US 1571394A · Chalmer · 1926 [cited by applicant]
US 2405020A · Dierking · 1946 [cited by applicant]
US 2594605A · Zoppelt · 1952 [cited by applicant]
US 2741923A · Bradley · 1956 [cited by applicant]
US 2968205A · Springate · 1961 [cited by applicant]
US 3107947A · Hulterstrum · 1963 [cited by applicant]
US 3142858A · Bieda · 1964 [cited by examiner]
US 3585674A · Golden · 1971 [cited by applicant]
US 3616486A · Ford et al. · 1971 [cited by applicant]
US 3626429A · Toder · 1971 [cited by examiner]
US 3971601A · Sytsma · 1976 [cited by applicant]
US 4023235A · Cohen et al. · 1977 [cited by applicant]
US 4102007A · Janson · 1978 [cited by examiner]
US 4141106A · Dixon · 1979 [cited by applicant]
US 4203511A · Uhing · 1980 [cited by applicant]
US 4228738A · Forshee · 1980 [cited by applicant]
US 4229857A · Toder · 1980 [cited by examiner]
US 4282630A · Toder · 1981 [cited by applicant]
US 4302865A · Dixon et al. · 1981 [cited by applicant]
US 4576096A · Toder · 1986 [cited by applicant]
US 4643238A · Tachikawa · 1987 [cited by examiner]
US 4837891A · Toma et al. · 1989 [cited by applicant]
US 4915153A · Toti · 1990 [cited by applicant]
US 5016318A · Harris · 1991 [cited by applicant]
US D379060S · Laga · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US D379427S · Laga · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 6098695A · Schwingle · 2000 [cited by examiner]
US 6098699A · Junius · 2000 [cited by examiner]
US 6564851B1 · Liao · 2003 [cited by examiner]
US 6618900B2 · Spork · 2003 [cited by examiner]
US D492580S · Tyburk et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 6820306B2 · Huang · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 6938927B1 · Martin et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 7360576B2 · Lin · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7698781B2 · Cai · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7909491B2 · Hoets · 2011 [cited by examiner]
US 8307499B2 · Ruffo · 2012 [cited by examiner]
US 8397346B2 · Peters · 2013 [cited by examiner]
US 9125509B2 · Graneto, III · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9320379B2 · Sourain et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9458654B2 · Palsson et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9480357B2 · Price et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US D795157S · Biesenbruck et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 10570662B2 · Miroshnichenko · 2020 [cited by examiner]
US 10758072B2 · Hatton et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 11297966B2 · Alonso · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 11399650B2 · Ko · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US D962751S · Olsen et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US D962752S · Olsen et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US D962753S · Olsen et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US D982422S · Olsen et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US D1011869S · Olsen et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US D1012551S · Olsen et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20040117945A1 · Huang · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20050239588A1 · Lin · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20060001254A1 · Malone · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20070012346A1 · Choi · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070136986A1 · Chen · 2007 [cited by examiner]
US 20090288785A1 · Graneto, III · 2009 [cited by examiner]
US 20100125987A1 · Barkun · 2010 [cited by examiner]
US 20100139873A1 · Gardner · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20110283479A1 · Peters et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20120018106A1 · Robledo · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120037324A1 · Graneto, III · 2012 [cited by examiner]
US 20120167350A1 · Chou · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120198655A1 · Lapping · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20130047331A1 · Parker et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20140026359A1 · Borgerding · 2014 [cited by examiner]
US 20170231413A1 · Schöpfer · 2017 [cited by examiner]
US 20170284155A1 · Ganzi · 2017 [cited by examiner]
US 20180279818A1 · Goelst · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20200080367A1 · Daugaard · 2020 [cited by examiner]
US 20220015564A1 · Olsen · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220015566A1 · Olsen · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220049546A1 · Daugaard · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220240707A1 · Roberts · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220265078A1 · Hsu · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220275682A1 · Chuang · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220279954A1 · Olsen · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20220322863A1 · Olsen · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20230130071A1 · Olsen · 2023 [cited by examiner]
CH 657511A5 · 1986 [cited by applicant]
CN 107495816A · 2017 [cited by applicant]
CN 108903569A · 2018 [cited by applicant]
DE 102017010861A1 · 2019 [cited by applicant]
EP 2428142A2 · 2012 [cited by applicant]
EP 3308680A2 · 2018 [cited by applicant]
FR 2333113B1 · 1981 [cited by applicant]
GB 2358123A · 2001 [cited by applicant]
GB 2385511A · 2003 [cited by applicant]
GB 2457075B · 2011 [cited by applicant]
GB 2489485A · 2012 [cited by applicant]
GB 2493773A · 2013 [cited by applicant]
GB 2515504A · 2014 [cited by applicant]
JP 2002165698A · 2002 [cited by applicant]
JP 3562672B2 · 2004 [cited by applicant]
JP 2006314537A · 2006 [cited by applicant]
JP 09189180A · 2022 [cited by examiner]
CubeCare: Cubicle Curtain Tracks for Hospitals and Medical Facilities: https://www.cubecare.com/products/cubicle-curtain-tracks/. 5 pages. [cited by applicant]
Covoc Corporation: Cubicle Track Accessories: https://www.covoc.com/accessories-2/. 4 pages. [cited by applicant]
Inpro: Optitrac ball chain carrier: https://www.inprocorp.com/products/privacysystems/cubicle-curtaintrack-andaccessories/optitrac-ballchain-carrier/. 6 pages. [cited by applicant]
Medline Industries, Inc.: Standard Supreme Cubicle Curtain Tracks and Accessories: https://punchout.medline.com/product/Standard-Supreme-Cubicle-Curtain-Tracks-by-Imperial-Fastener/Parts/Z05-PF184262?question=&index=P4&… [cited by applicant]
Curtain-Tracks.com: 7191 Privacy Cubicle Carrier or Roller w/ Hook (14/bag): https://www.curtain-tracks.com/privacy-cubicle-roller.html. 1 page. [cited by applicant]
Tru-Roll: Tru-Roll Track Carrier: https://truroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TruRoll-2017-Catalog-Ed1.pdf. 35 pages. [cited by applicant]
ALCO sales & Service Co.: Cubicle Track Carriers: https://www.alcosales.com/images/50178.pdf. 3 pages. [cited by applicant]
HAIGuard: Break-Away Carrier (Model CC-1003): Retrieved from https://haiguard.com/track-systems/aluminum-track-system/. 1 page. [cited by applicant]
Rhinocats: Rear Runner Curtain Runner Rear Holder Roller Diameter 0.2 inches (5.5 mm), Silent, Lightweight Type, Compatible with Square and C Types, Supports Groove Width 0.2-0.3 inches (6-8 mm): https://www.amazon.co.j… [cited by applicant]
Chuang beauty: Window Bijin RUN-ATO10P Rear Curtain Runners: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Window-Bijin-RUN-ATO10P-Curtain-Runners/dp/B00MXQQBK2/ref=pd_day0_7/357-5574520-2158114?pd_rd_w=7h0a4&pf_rd_p-fab5dbe4-f0e5-4fa4-b9db… [cited by applicant]
Rod Desyne: Ball Bearing Carrier with Stainless hooks for Multi-Purpose Room Divider Track: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rod-Desyne-Ball-Bearing-Carrier-with-Stainless-hooks-for-Multi-Purpose-Room-Divider-Track-Set-of-10… [cited by applicant]
VRSS: flexible bendable straight curved shower curtains track for I and u shape bay windows with instruction mounting accessories include (3m): https://www.amazon.in/VRSS-Flexible-Bendable-Instruction-Accessories/dp/B06… [cited by applicant]
Curtain Track: 6018 metal block carrier with nylon wheels: https://www.curtain-tracks.com/6018-metal-block-carrier.html. 6 pages. [cited by applicant]
Medical Products Direct: Flexible Curtain Track, Nylon Carrier with Hook: https://www.medicalproductsdirect.com/flexible-curtain-track-nylon-carrier-10-pack.html. 3 pages. [cited by applicant]
DFB Sales: Draperies for Business: https://www.dfbsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drapery_DFB.pdf. 16 pages. [cited by applicant]
Covoc: Covoc 9038 Carrier With Canted Wheels and Bead Chain and Hook: https://www.covoc.com/covoc-9038-carrier-with-canted-wheels-and-bead-chain-and-hook/. 3 pages. [cited by applicant]
Walcot House: Curtain hook: Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/search?q=%22walcot+house%22+%22curtain+hook%22&sa=X&bih=657&biw=1366&rlz=10%20OKWM_enIN917IN91%207&hl=enUS&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=m5qKZwWcxS3QTM%… [cited by applicant]
Yap, Jules. “Hack a ceiling track for shower curtain”, IKEAHackers; https://ikeahackers.net/2013/10/hack-a-ceiling-track-for-shower-curtain.html; Oct. 17, 2013. 6 pages. [cited by applicant]
Jasan, Afzal. Patentability Search Report for Adjustable Wheel for use in Tracks for Medical Curtains, dated Apr. 16, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Hasan, Afzal. Patentability Search Report (Updated) for Adjustable Wheel for use in Tracks for Medical Curtains, dated Sep. 16, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Restriction Requirement (Mail Date Dec. 28, 2022) for PCT International Application No. PCT/US22/46934—International Filing Date Oct. 18, 2022. [cited by applicant]
PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion of International Searching Authority mailed Mar. 15, 2023 corresponding to PCT International Application No. PCT/US22/46934 filed Oct. 18, 2022. [cited by applicant]
Notice of Allowance (Mail Date Mar. 27, 2023) for U.S. Appl. No. 29/813,033, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Notice of Allowance (Mail Date Mar. 27, 2023) for U.S. Appl. No. 29/813,043, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Office Action (Mail Date Jun. 7, 2023) for U.S. Appl. No. 29/813,043, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Notice of Allowance (Mail Date Mar. 24, 2023) for U.S. Appl. No. 29/813,057, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Office Action (Mail Date Oct. 2, 2023) for U.S. Appl. No. 17/510,787, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Final Office Action (Mail Date Oct. 2, 23) for U.S. Appl. No. 29/813,043, filed Oct. 26, 2021. [cited by applicant]
InControl—SmartGuard Disposable Privacy Curtains; ttp://globalmedics.co.nz/media//InControl_SmartGuard_Brochure_2.pdf. 12 Pages. [cited by applicant]
Marlux Disposable Hospital Curtains: https://www.marluxmedical.com/disposable-curtains. 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
Opal Health Disposible Curtains Quick Fit System, May 26, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsQnyL-REhY. [cited by applicant]
Opalhealth: The Fast, hygienic alternative to traditional curtains. https://opalhealth.co.uk/benefits/. 4 pages. [cited by applicant]
Solent Blinds & Curtains: Disposable Curtains: https://solentblinds.co.uk/commercial/products/disposable-curtains/. 1 page. [cited by applicant]
EasyClick: “The Next Generation of Disposable Curtains”. https://behrens.co.uk/product/easyclick-the-next-generation-of-disposable-curtains/. 2 pages. [cited by applicant]
Installing Locking Button in Telescoping Tube, Jul. 29, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3V6o3eca0g. [cited by applicant]
Halder: Ball Lock Pins self-locking, with T-handle. https://www.halder.com/eng/Products/Standard-Parts/Machine-and-Fixture-Elements/Ball-Lock-Pins/Ball-Lock-Pins-self-locking-with-T-handle. 2 pages. [cited by applicant]
Rapid Refresh Shower Curtains. https://www.icpmedical.com/docs/product-sheets/Shower-Curtains-RR.pdf. 1 page. [cited by applicant]
ICP Medical: Privacy Curtains: https://icpmedical.com/docs/product-sheets/Privacy-Curtains-RR.pdf. 2 pages. [cited by applicant]
EasyClick Disposable Cubicle Curtains. https://behrens.co.uk/media/EASYCLICK-advert.jpg; 1 page. [cited by applicant]
EasyKlip Instructions. Retrieved from https://www.curtain-tracks.com/610-easyklip-mini-tarp-clip-10-per-pack.html. 1 page. [cited by applicant]
EasyKlip Midi Tarp & Banner Clip. https://www.curtain-tracks.com/610-easyklip-mini-tarp-clip-10-per-pack.html. 2 pages. [cited by applicant]
“Halder Ball Lock Pins”, Oct. 23, 2017. https://youtu.be/qLTZiNngk9c. [cited by applicant]
ICP Medical: Privacy Curtains: https://www.icpmedical.com/Products/Privacy-Curtains. 2 pages. [cited by applicant]
“Installing the ICP Medical Rapid Refresh Privacy Curtain”, Jun. 10, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/embed azsr7bpMB5U?autoplay=1. [cited by applicant]
“Installing the ICP Medical Rapid Refresh Curtain Rods”, Jun. 10, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/embed/lohmn8UhiRo?autoplay=1. [cited by applicant]
Hasan, Afzal. Patentability Search Report for Disposable Curtain System, dated Jul. 6, 2020. [cited by applicant]