A wheel to axle securement system (WASS) that facilitates securing a vehicle wheel to an axle, or removal of a vehicle wheel from an axle. The WASS includes a wheel hub with a centered opening, an axle, and a quick release ball lock pin that is dimensioned to be inserted into an axle insert within the axle. The wheel hub is placed onto the axle through the opening such that the axle end is adjacent an outer surface of the hub. The lock pin has at least two balls that extend from or retract into the pin's shaft. A button on the pin actuates an internal assembly. When the button is released, the balls extend outward. Once the hub is on the axle, the pin button is depressed and the pin is inserted into the axle insert. When the button is released the balls are located adjacent and in contact with the end of the axle insert, which functions as a barrier that precludes the pin from being removed from the insert. Once the pin is in place, the hub is secured onto the axle.

A hub assembly includes a retainer housing, a retaining member, a biasing element, and an occlusion. The retainer housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and a pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle. The pin sleeve has a first end and a second end. The pin sleeve includes a conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the axle bore. The retaining member and the biasing element are in the conduit. The retaining member is configured to engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore. The occlusion is proximate to the second end of the pin sleeve. The occlusion is configured to inhibit the retaining member from exiting the conduit at least prior to coupling the hub assembly to a wheel.

A hub assembly includes a retainer housing, a retaining member, a biasing element, and an occlusion. The retainer housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and a pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle. The pin sleeve has a first end and a second end. The pin sleeve includes a conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the axle bore. The retaining member and the biasing element are in the conduit. The retaining member is configured to engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore. The occlusion is proximate to the second end of the pin sleeve. The occlusion is configured to inhibit the retaining member from exiting the conduit at least prior to coupling the hub assembly to a wheel.

A snap lock device for securing a wheel assembly to an axle is provided. The snap lock device may be formed from one integral piece. The snap lock device may include a hubcap and a first and second clip extending from the hubcap. The first and second clips may include a spring, an engagement member, and an actuator. The spring may be directly coupled to the hubcap. The snap lock device may be installed in the wheel assembly by inserting the cap assembly in the wheel assembly such that the first and second clip are placed in two apertures of a wheel and the springs bias the engagement members toward a center of a bore defined in the wheel for receiving the axle. The snap lock device can allow for tool-less installation and removal of the axle.

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.

A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.