WHEEL WITH ODOMETER

Abstract

A wheel is illustrated and described. The wheel comprises an odometer, the odometer being located within the wheel and including a gear train. The gear train comprises a drive gear and at least one indicator gear. The drive gear is configured to be operable by a striking member. The at least one indicator gear includes an indicator device. The indicator device is configured to indicate the distance travelled by the wheel during use.

Claims

1. A wheel, the wheel comprising: an odometer, the odometer being located within the wheel and including a gear train, the gear train comprising: a drive gear; and at least one indicator gear, wherein the drive gear is configured to be operable by a striking member, and the at least one indicator gear includes an indicator device, the indicator device being configured to indicate the distance travelled by the wheel during use.

2. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the wheel includes a body portion having a cavity, and the odometer is located in the cavity.

3. The wheel of claim 2, wherein the cavity is annular.

4. The wheel of claim 2, wherein the wheel further comprises an opaque, transparent, or translucent cover member, the cover member being arranged to cover the cavity.

5. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the gears of the gear train are rotatably mounted to the wheel.

6.-7. (canceled)

8. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the gears of the gear train are gear shafts, the gear shafts being mountable to support members on the wheel.

9. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the drive gear is configured such that striking of a gear tooth by a striking member rotates the drive gear by an amount that presents the subsequent gear tooth for striking, such that a striking member strikes each gear tooth of the drive gear as the gear rotates.

10.-13. (canceled)

14. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the gear train further comprises one or more intermediate gears, the one or more intermediate gears being located between the drive gear and the at least one indicator gear.

15.-17. (canceled)

18. The wheel of claim 8, wherein the drive gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being operable by a striking member, and the second gear being arranged to drive a first intermediate gear.

19. The wheel of claim 9, wherein the first intermediate gear is arranged to drive a second intermediate gear.

20. The wheel of claim 10, wherein the second intermediate gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being driven by the gear of the first intermediate gear, and the second gear being arranged to drive a third intermediate gear.

21. The wheel of claim 11, wherein the third intermediate gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being driven by the second gear of the second intermediate gear shaft, and the second gear being arranged to drive the first indicator gear.

22. The wheel of claim 12, wherein the first indicator gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being driven by the second gear of the third intermediate gear shaft, and the second gear being arranged to drive the second indicator gear.

23. The wheel of claim 13, wherein the second indicator gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being driven by the second gear of the first indicator gear, and the second gear being arranged to drive the third indicator gear.

24. The wheel of claim 14, wherein the third indicator gear has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being driven by the second gear of the second indicator gear, and the second gear being arranged to drive the fourth indicator gear.

25. The wheel of claim 15, wherein the fourth indicator gear is driven by the second gear of the third indicator gear.

26. (canceled)

27. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the indicator device is configured to associate an identification marker with each gear tooth of the gear, the indicator device thus indicating a number of revolutions the gear has undertaken with respect to the wheel.

28. (canceled)

29. The wheel of claim 1, wherein the wheel further comprises a further identification device, the identification device being configured to identify one or more parameters, or pieces of information pertaining to the wheel.

30. A vehicle comprising a wheel, the wheel comprising: an odometer, the odometer being located within the wheel and including a gear train, the gear train comprising: a drive gear; and at least one indicator gear, wherein the drive gear is configured to be operable by a striking member, and the at least one indicator gear includes an indicator device, the indicator device being configured to indicate the distance travelled by the wheel during use.

31. A method of determining the distance travelled by a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle, wherein a wheel of the vehicle includes an odometer located within the wheel, the odometer including an indicator device configured to indicate the distance travelled by the wheel during use; recording a first reading of the odometer; recording a second reading of the odometer, the second reading being carried out after a predetermined time interval; and determining the distance travelled by the wheel between the first reading and the second reading.

32. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0190] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0191] FIG. 1 is a side view of the wheel of the present invention;

[0192] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wheel of FIG. 1;

[0193] FIG. 3 is a side view of the wheel of FIG. 1 without the striking device;

[0194] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the drive gear of the odometer;

[0195] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the intermediate gears of the odometer;

[0196] FIG. 6 is a detail view of the intermediate gears of the odometer and a first indicator gear;

[0197] FIG. 7 is a detail view of a first and second indicator gear;

[0198] FIG. 8 is a detail view of second and third indicator gear;

[0199] FIG. 9 is a detail view of a third and fourth indicator gear;

[0200] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the striking device;

[0201] FIG. 11 is a side view of the wheel of FIG. 1 assembled with a swivel fork;

[0202] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wheel and swivel fork of FIG. 11; and

[0203] FIG. 13 is a side view of a wheeled vehicle including the wheel of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0204] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a wheel 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The wheel 10 includes an odometer 12 (an example of a distance measuring device) located within the wheel 10, as described further below, and in accordance with the present invention. The odometer 12 is “inbuilt” with the wheel 10.

[0205] The wheel 10 incudes a hub portion 13, which includes a bearing 14. The bearing 14 is configured to receive an axle 16 (FIGS. 11 and 12), such that the wheel 10 may rotate about the axle 16. The bearing 14 supports the wheel 10 on the axle 16. The bearing 14 includes an inner race/housing 14a and an outer race/housing 14b. The wheel 10 rotates about a lateral axis 11. The lateral axis 11 is the rotational axis of the wheel 10.

[0206] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, and described further below, the wheel 10 is connectable to a fork 18 (an example of an object to with the wheel 10 is attached). The fork 18 may be mounted to, or receive, the axle 16 therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the fork 18 is a swivel fork, and is therefore capable of rotating about a mounting portion 18a thereof. However, it should be appreciated that the fork may be a fixed fork. The mounting portion 18a being configured to allow the fork 18 to be attached to an object, such as a trolley, shopping trolley, cage, cart, bed, chair, platform, ladder, or the like. The fork 18 may rotate about a longitudinal/vertical axis 18b, the longitudinal/vertical axis 18a being perpendicular to the lateral axis 11 of the wheel 10. The fork 18 includes two legs 18c, each leg 18c being connectable to an opposite side of the wheel 10. The wheel 10 and fork 18 arrangement may be considered as a caster/castor wheel.

[0207] The wheel 10 includes a body portion 20, which in the embodiment illustrated and described here is a disc-shaped member. The body portion 20 is supported by the hub 13. The wheel 10 also includes a tread portion 22 (an example of a ground-engaging portion) that is located around the outer circumference of the wheel 10. The tread portion 22 may be a rubber tread, or the like.

[0208] The body portion 20 includes a cavity 20a on one side of the wheel 10. The cavity 20a is substantially the shape of an annular disc and surrounds the hub 13. The cavity 20a thus surrounds the rotational axis 11 of the wheel 10. The axis of rotation of the cavity 20a is coincident with the rotational axis 11 of the wheel 10. The cavity 20a may be considered as a channel portion.

[0209] In the embodiment illustrated and described here the wheel 10 has an approximate diameter of 125 mm and a circumference of approximately 40 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the wheel 10 may be larger or smaller than this, as required.

[0210] The cavity 20a has a depth of approximately 1 cm, and a width of approximately 3 cm. However, it should be appreciated that the cavity 20a may be larger or smaller than this, as required.

[0211] The body portion 20 may be made of plastic, the bearing 14 may be made of metal, and the tread portion may be made of rubber. The fork 18 may be made of metal.

[0212] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the wheel 10 further comprises a cover member 24, which covers the odometer 12. The cover member 24 is fixedly attachable to the body portion 20 of the wheel 10 via screw members, or the like. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the cover member 24 is translucent. However, it should be appreciated that the cover member 24 may be transparent or opaque.

[0213] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the odometer 12 is located within the wheel 10, i.e., the odometer 12 is located within the cavity 20a of the body portion 20 of the wheel 10.

[0214] The odometer 12 is a mechanical odometer and includes a gear train 26. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the gear train 26 includes a drive gear 28, four indicator gears 50, 51, 53, and 55, and three intermediate gears 32, 33 and 35. However, it should be appreciated that other gear train arrangements may be possible. The gear train 26 is therefore also located within the wheel 10.

[0215] As illustrated, the gear train 26 is arranged in a line that surrounds the hub 13. The gears of the gear train 26 are therefore arranged in a line that is substantially circular. The gears of the gear train 26 are arranged sequentially, i.e., in series. The gear train 26 is located between the hub 13 and the outer circumference/tread portion 22 of the wheel 10.

[0216] With reference to FIG. 2, the gear train 26 is substantially arrange in a plane, such that the gear train 26 may be substantially planar.

[0217] As will be appreciated, the gears of the gear train 16 rotate with respect to the body portion 20/cavity 20a of the wheel 10. The gears of the gear train 26 are, therefore, rotatably mounted to the wheel 10.

[0218] In the embodiment illustrated and described here the gears of the gear train 26 are gear shafts, with the gears formed thereon. The gears themselves are spur gears/disc/disk gears/gear wheels. The gear shafts are rotatably mounted on support members 34 (see FIG. 2). The support members 34 are pin members that protrude perpendicularly from the body portion 20 of the wheel 10. The support members 34 are formed with the body portion 20. However, it should be appreciated that they may be attached to the body portion 20. The pin members are substantially cylindrical members that are received by the gear shafts. Each gear shaft therefore includes a cylindrical passage that extends the length of the shaft. In this arrangement the gear shafts are hollow cylinders that are mounted on the support members 34.

[0219] Each gear of the gear train 26 rotates about an axis (rotational axis), and each rotational axis is parallel to the rotational axis 11 of the wheel 10.

[0220] Each gear shaft of the gear train 26 includes a locking device 36 (an example of a locking device, or securing device) (see FIG. 2) that retains the gear shaft in place on the support member 34. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the locking device 36 is an annular disc that engages with the support member 34 above the gear shaft by an interference fit. The locking device 36 may engage with the support member 34 by a press-fit.

[0221] With reference to FIGS. 1, 10 and 11 the wheel 10 further comprises a striking device 38. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the striking device 38 has a body portion 40, which includes a flange, or disc, portion 42, and a cylindrical portion 44 (see FIG. 10). The body portion 40 is configured to receive the axle 16 through an aperture 40a. In this arrangement the striking device 38 is rotatable with respect to the wheel 10, as described further below.

[0222] The striking device 38 includes a striking member 46 and an abutment member 48. The striking member 46 is located on an outer edge portion 46a of the disc portion 42 of the striking device 38, and the abutment member 48 is located on an upper surface 46b of the disc portion 42 of the striking device 38, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The striking member 46 and an abutment member 48 are protrusions, protruding portions, which protrude from the striking device 38.

[0223] With reference to FIG. 11, when the wheel 10 is mounted to the fork 18, the striking device 38 is arranged such that the abutment member 48 may come into contact with the fork 18. In this arrangement, when the wheel 10 rotates with respect to the fork 18, the striking device 38 does not move with the wheel 10, and is, instead, held in place against the fork 18. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the striking device 38 is not attached to the fork 18, it is merely configured to come into contact with the fork, via the abutment member 48, to prevent it rotating with the wheel 10. The wheel 10 therefore rotates about both the fork 18 and the striking device 38. As described further below, the drive gear 28 of the gear train 26 is struck by the striking member 46 of the striking device 38 once per revolution of the wheel 10.

[0224] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the teeth 28a of the drive gear 28 have a striking surfaces 28b. The striking surfaces 28b are configured to present a curved contact surface for engagement with the striking member 46.

[0225] The drive gear 28 is arranged such that it partially rotates when struck by the striking member 46. Striking of a gear tooth 28a by the striking member 46 rotates the drive gear 28 by an amount that presents the subsequent, or next, gear tooth 28a for striking. In this arrangement, the striking member 46 strikes each gear tooth 28a of the drive gear 28 as the gear rotates. That is, the striking member 46 strikes each gear tooth 28a of the drive gear 28 consecutively. The striking member 46 strikes the drive gear 28 once per revolution of the wheel 10 relative to the striking device 38/fork 18.

[0226] In the embodiment illustrated and described here the gear train 26 includes a drive gear 28, four indicator gears 50, 51, 53 and 55, and three intermediate gears 33, 33 and 35. The gears of the gear train 26 are arranged consecutively. However, it should be appreciated that other gear train arrangements may be possible.

[0227] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 9, in the embodiment illustrated and described here the drive gear 28 has a first gear 28c and a second gear 28d. The first gear 28c is operable by the striking member 46. The first gear 28c includes ten gear teeth 28a. The second gear 28d includes one gear tooth 28e. The second gear 28d drives the first intermediate gear 32. The first and second gears 28c, 28d are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft.

[0228] The first intermediate gear 32 has a gear 32a with ten gear teeth 32b. The first intermediate gear 32 gear drives the second intermediate gear 33.

[0229] The second intermediate gear 33 has a first gear 33a and a second gear 33b. The first gear 33a is driven by the gear 32a of the first intermediate gear 32. The first gear 33a includes ten gear teeth 33c and the second gear 33b includes one gear tooth 33d. The second gear 33b drives the third intermediate gear 35. The first and second gears 33a, 33b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft.

[0230] The third intermediate gear 35 has a first gear 35a and a second gear 35b. The first gear 35a is driven by the second gear 33b of the second intermediate gear 33. The first gear 35a includes ten gear teeth 35c and the second gear 35b includes one gear tooth 35d. The second gear 35b drives the first indicator gear 50. The first and second gears 35a, 35b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft. It should be noted that in the embodiment illustrated and described here the gear tooth 35d of the second gear 35b is integrally formed with a gear tooth 35c of the first gear 35a, as illustrated in FIG. 6. It should be appreciated that these gears may be separate.

[0231] As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the first indicator gear 50 has a first gear 50a and a second gear 50b. The first gear 50a is driven by the second gear 35b of the third intermediate gear 35. The first gear 50a includes ten gear teeth 50c and the second gear 50b includes one gear tooth 50d. The second gear 50b drives the second indicator gear 51. The first and second gears 50a, 50b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft.

[0232] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second indicator gear 51 has a first gear 51a and a second gear 51b. The first gear 51a is driven by the second gear 50b of the first indicator gear 50. The first gear 51a includes ten gear teeth 51c and the second gear 51b includes one gear tooth 51d. The second gear 51b drives the third indicator gear 53. The first and second gears 51a, 51b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft.

[0233] As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the third indicator gear 53 has a first gear 53a and a second gear 53b. The first gear 53a is driven by the second gear 51b of the second indicator gear 51. The first gear 53a includes ten gear teeth 53c and the second gear 53b includes one gear tooth 53d. The second gear 53b drives the fourth indicator gear 55. The first and second gears 53a, 53b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the gear shaft.

[0234] As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fourth indicator gear 55 has a gear 55a. The gear 55a is driven by the second gear 53b of the third indicator gear 53. The gear 55a includes ten gear teeth 55b.

[0235] The gear ratio between the drive gear 28 and the first intermediate gear 32 is ten (10:1). The gear ratio between the first intermediate gear 32 and the second intermediate gear 33 is one (1:1). The gear ratio between the second intermediate gear 33 and the third intermediate gear 35 is ten (10:1). The gear ratio between the third intermediate gear 35 and the first indicator gear 50 is ten (10:1). The gear ratio between the first indicator gear 50 and the second indicator gear 51 is ten (10:1). The gear ratio between the second indicator gear 51 and the third indicator gear 53 is ten (10:1). The gear ratio between the third indicator gear 53 and the fourth indicator gear 55 is ten (10:1).

[0236] The first and second gears of the gears of the gear train may be integrally formed with the gear shaft. Also, the first and second gears themselves may be integrally formed.

[0237] In the arrangement of the gears of the gear train 26 described above the gears are in discontinuous in contact. That is, the gears of the gear train 26 are arranged such that the gears do not all rotate at the same time, with exception of the first and second intermediate gears 32, 33. Operation of each of the gears after the drive gear 28 is dependent upon a single tooth of the driving gear striking the adjacent gear, which is once per revolution of that gear.

[0238] The indicator gears 50, 51, 53 and 55 include indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ that indicate/represent the distance travelled by the wheel 10 during use. The indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ are configured to indicate the position of the gears 50, 51, 53 and 55 relative to the body portion 20 of the wheel 10. The indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ are configured to indicate the position of each gear tooth of the gear relative to the body portion 20 of the wheel 10.

[0239] In the embodiment illustrated and described here the indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ are disc members that are marked with numbers 0 to 9 (an example of an identification marker), each number being associated with a gear tooth of the gear. It should be appreciated that other markers, or symbols, or the like may be used instead of numbers. The indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ and the cover member 24 of the wheel 10 are arranged such that the identification markers are visible through an aperture 24′, or window, of the cover member 24, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0240] The indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ indicate the number of revolutions the gear has undertaken with respect to the body portion 20 of the wheel 10. The identification markers are representative of the distance travelled by the wheel 10 during use. The distance travelled by the wheel 10 is determined by an algorithm that converts the identification markers to a distance.

[0241] The tables below provides an example of how the distance travelled by the wheel 10 is determined by the odometer 12. As described above, the circumference of the wheel 10 in the embodiment illustrated and described here is approximately 40 cm.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 2 Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Distance (km) Gear 1 Gear 2 Gear 3 Gear 4 48.4 1 2 1 0 100 0 5 2 0 264.8 2 6 6 0 1248 0 2 1 3 2476 0 9 1 6

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Distance Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator (km) Gear 1 Gear 2 Gear 3 Gear 4 48.4 1 2 1 0 100 0 5 2 0 264.8 2 6 6 0 1248 0 2 1 3 2476 0 9 1 6

[0242] Table 1 illustrates the distances recorded by the odometer 12 for every revolution of the wheel 10. Colum 0 details the number of revolutions of the wheel 10, starting at the bottom left corner. Column 1 shows the distance recorded by the drive gear 28. As illustrated, after one revolution of the wheel 10, the drive gear 28 performs 1/10.sup.th of a turn, which is representative of 0.4 m. After ten revolutions of the wheel 10, the drive gear 28 has completed one full revolution, and has turned the first and second intermediate gears 32, 33 1/10.sup.th of a turn, as detailed at the bottom of column 2, and the wheel has travelled 4 m. At this point it should be appreciated that the indicator gears 50, 51, 53, 55 have not yet been turned.

[0243] As the wheel 10 continues to revolve, the gear train 26 of the odometer 12 transmits the movement of the drive gear 28 and the intermediate gears 32, 33 and 35 to the indicator gears 50, 51, 53, 55. As detailed in table 1, the odometer 12 is configured such that the distance recorded by the drive gear 28 and the intermediate gears 32, 33 and 35 is “non-visible”. The first visible indication of the distance travelled by the wheel 10 is when the indicator gear 50 registers 1/10.sup.th of a revolution, i.e., 0.4 km (see the bottom of column 4 of table 1). At this point the indicator device 50′ of indicator gear 50 will display “1”.

[0244] As the wheel 10 continues to revolve, the gears of the gear train 26 of the odometer 12 continues to move with the gear ratios described above and the indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ display identification markers between “0” and “9” to represent the position of each gear.

[0245] Columns 4, 5, 6 and 7 correspond to the indicator gears 50, 51, 53, 55, respectively. As illustrated, in the embodiment illustrated and described here the odometer 12 can measure and display up to 4,000 km before resetting to 0 km.

[0246] Table 2 illustrates some example odometer readings and the corresponding distance.

[0247] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wheel 10 comprises a further identification device 60. The identification device 60 is configured to identify one or more parameters, or pieces of information pertaining to the wheel 10, or a vehicle to which it is attached. The information may include the type of vehicle, the last date of reading of the odometer, etc.

[0248] The identification device 60 is adjustable, such that a plurality of parameters or pieces of information pertaining to the wheel 10 may identified. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the identification device 60 includes to adjustment members 60a and 60b, which include a plurality of coloured portions 61. Rotation of the adjustment members 60a and 60b allow different colours to be visible through the cover member 24 of the wheel 10. It should be appreciated that symbols, characters, markers, or the like, could also be used, with each representing a parameter, or piece of information pertaining to the wheel 10.

[0249] As illustrated, the identification device 60 is located within the cavity 20a of the wheel 10, and is operable through the cover member 24 of the wheel 10 (see FIG. 12).

[0250] The wheel 10 of the present invention may be used with a vehicle, such as a conveyance or transport vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to transport a load, or loads. The vehicle may be configured to carry objects, or loads. In particular, the vehicle 62 (an example of a wheeled vehicle and a trolley) may be a trolley, cart, shopping trolley, shopping cart, or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0251] The vehicle 62 may comprise three other wheels 63, the other wheels being normal wheels, i.e., not including an odometer.

[0252] In use, when the wheel 10 is used with a vehicle 62, the distance travelled by the wheel 10 (and vehicle 62) is determined by reading the identification markers “0” to “9” of the indicator devices 50′, 51′, 53′ and 55′ of the indicator gears 50, 51, 53, 55. Initially, when the wheel 10 is first installed, or provided with, the vehicle 62, the odometer 12 will have a reading of 0 0 0 0 (i.e., 0 km). The distance travelled by the wheel 10 is determined by performing a second reading of the odometer 12 after a predetermined time interval and subtracting the first reading from the second reading. This operation is repeated for future readings, where the last reading is subtracted from the new reading. Once the odometer 12 resets (“goes round the clock”), this would be noted and 4,000 km may be added to the new reading. This information may, for example, be noted by the coloured portions 61 of the identification device 60.

[0253] In use, when the wheel 10 is fitted to a wheeled vehicle 62, such as a supermarket trolley, or the like, each trolley 62 is fitted with a wheel 10 (with fork 18), i.e., a caster/castor. It should be appreciated that the wheel 10 of the present invention may be retro-fitted to an existing trolley 62, or may be included in the manufacture of a new trolley 62. When the wheel 10 is retro-fitted to an existing trolley 62, it is possible to use the same fork, as the wheel 10 may be configured to have identical dimensions to an existing trolley wheel 63. The odometer 12 constantly records the distance covered by the trolley 62. The data from each trolley 62 is then captured and recorded (by, for example, trolley type), which may at the scheduled maintenance period for the trolley 62. The data is then input to a database, or app, that converts the raw data into graphs and charts that show the usage of trolley in distance values. At the point of installation of the wheel 10 to an existing trolley 62 (i.e., removing one of the existing wheels 63 and replacing with a wheel 10 of the present invention), or when a new trolley 62 is delivered with a wheel 10 of the present invention already fitted, a “test” walk around the area where the trolley 62 is used (e.g., a supermarket) is carried out. The test walk simulates normal usage of the trolley 62, i.e., a normal shopping trip around a supermarket, or the like. The date from the test walk is recorded against that area (or supermarket store) to provide a baseline for the total quantity of trips any particular trolley has covered.

[0254] For example, once installed on a fleet of trolleys, a trolley is walked from a mid-range trolley bay in the car park, and manoeuvred around the store—as a shopper would, and then returned to a bay in the car park.

[0255] A reading is taken and used as a benchmark for this store, e.g., 1 trip=1.25 km for store ‘X’.

[0256] This date will then show the following analysis: [0257] What trolley type has been used the most. [0258] What trolley type has been used the least. [0259] What trolley type have not been used at all. [0260] What is the variant between trolley types? (this is important sales data—owing to spend capabilities of shallow and deep basket trolley type variants). [0261] If all trolleys have very high usage, then fleet is most likely too small in numbers, especially if data taken in between quiet trading periods (Christmas/Easter) [0262] If all trolleys have very low usage, then it's most likely there are too many in the fleet.

[0263] This list is non-exhaustive, and can be tailored in many variations, but ultimately, it now offers the retailer a defined and prolonged period of usage data to work with, by trolley type, by store.

[0264] This solution is also be beneficial to many other applications/industries, as being able to ‘at a glance’ view the distance covered by a piece of equipment, can be very helpful in determining maintenance intervals, lifespan expectancy, comparisons between same equipment types etc. Such alternative applications, or industries, may include:

1. Logistics/distribution—roll cages
2. Dairy logistics—milk cages
3. Airports—Baggage carts

4. Railways/Bus Stations—Porter Trolleys

[0265] 5. Hospitals—beds and all rolling stock
6. Internet picking trolleys—retailers

7. Hotels—Porter Trolleys/Linen Trolleys

[0266] 8. Manufacturing—stock trolleys/work platforms
9. Warehouse ladders/access equipment

[0267] The wheel 10, and vehicle 62 (wheeled vehicle), of the present invention provides improved and thus informed management decisions to be made across fleets of wheeled vehicles, which reduces asset purchase costs.

[0268] Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the striking device 38 has been illustrated and describe above as including one striking member 46, it should be appreciated that it may include two or more striking members.

[0269] Furthermore, all the gear ratios have been described above as the gear ratio between the drive gear and the first intermediate gear being ten (10:1), the gear ratio between the first intermediate gear and the second intermediate gear being one (1:1), the gear ratio between the second intermediate gear and the third intermediate gear being ten (10:1), the gear ratio between the third intermediate gear and the first indicator gear being ten (10:1), the gear ratio between the first indicator gear and the second indicator gear being ten (10:1), the gear ratio between the second indicator gear and the third indicator gear being ten (10:1), and the gear ratio between the third indicator gear and the fourth indicator gear being ten (10:1), it should be possible that other gear ratios are possible, such as between five and fifteen, with the objective of the invention being to provide a simple mechanical odometer that represents the distance travelled by the wheel 10.

[0270] Also, although the gears have been illustrated and described above as being gear shafts, it should be appreciated that other gear arrangements are possible.

[0271] Furthermore, although the striking device 38 has been illustrated and described above as being a mounted to the wheel 10 and capable of abutting against an object (fork 18) to which the wheel 10 is attached, it should be appreciated that the striking device 38 may be configured such that it may be attachable to the object. The striking device 38 may be configured such that it may be attachable to an object, such that, in use, the wheel 10 rotates with respect to the striking device 38. In this arrangement, the striking device 38 is fixed to the object and the wheel 10 rotates about the striking device 38. The drive gear 28 of the gear train 26 is struck by the striking member 46 of the striking device 38 once per revolution of the wheel 10. In this arrangement, the striking device 38 is prevented from rotating with respect to the fork, and the wheel is free to rotate about the striking device.

[0272] Furthermore, although the gear shafts have been illustrated and described above as being integrally formed, it should be appreciated that they may be formed in two parts, the two parts being configured to interlock and rotate as one when driven.