Wheel assemblies removable without tools

Abstract

A hub or wheel assembly includes a retaining element, biasing element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wheel assembly comprising:
 a wheel including
 an axle bore, and 
 a pin sleeve including
 a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, 
 a second end, and 
 a conduit between the first end and the second end; 
 
   a retaining member in the conduit and configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle;   a biasing element in the conduit and configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore; and   a hand maneuverable release mechanism configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.