An omni directional wheel is able to roll conventionally as well as sideways and diagonally with minimum resistance.
Tested capacity with soft rubber wheels is 200+ pounds (although not officially rated).
The omni wheel fits nicely into the wheel pocket originally designed for a conventional tire and wheel.
Omni Wheel exploded view
Omni Wheel assembled.
Omni wheel CAD. FYI: use 3/16ths aluminum for all of the main plates, 16 gage steel for the retaining clips. Available as a dxf file.
Omni wheel axle, bushing, retaining clip detail.
The wheels are the rubber section of a 2 inch freeze plug. Qty 22. (http://www.pepboys.com)
The bearings are Flanged Sleeve Bearings. Bronze, 5/16 in Bore, 1/2 in OD, 3/8 in Long. Qty. 44. (http://www.grainger.com)
The axles are 5/16 stainless steel rod. 1.7 in. long. Qty 22. (http://stores.ebay.com/ASHEVILLE-METALWORX)
Internal spacers are .75 in. OD aluminum tubing 1 inch long .120 wall thickness.
(1) 1/4-20 x 2 carriage bolt and nut. Qty 4. (Home Depot).
(2) #6 x 3/4 Allen head cap screw and nut. Qty. 44
1 wheel hub with bearings (from a conventional 10 inch wheel (http://www.harborfreight.com) TIP: be sure the hub is bolted to the rim, not welded. 5/8 axle. Look for tires marked ‘slow speed’ as opposed to “not for highway use”.
Demonstration of tire scrubbing action with conventional tires:
Omni-directional wheel eliminates tire scrub and improves maneuverability:
Omni-directional wheel outdoor test:
Omni Wheel axle clip fabrication: