OK, cancel my drill press thingy. I kinda think finding a ready made solution is going to be tough but how about this (I'm assuming you are making the steps)?
No weight on the box, it rolls easy; add weight and the springs compress allowing the box/step sides and/or front back to hit the floor.
Just search for spring loaded casters.
I just did and there are plenty of different types that do what you want.
I have seen these on the bottom of round step stools. But the problem will be finding them to adjust to the weight you want.
well then you are not paying enough attention. if you get the right spring it will. There are spring loaded for gates, spring for shock.. And spring for what you are looking for. Look for the weight you want.
Each has a resting weight.
These are what you need, but they are not available.
But there ARE some good searches on ebay that are in the range..
40lbs.Look about 20 or so items down, there are 40lb rated springs, which means you would need to be 160lbs. or 80lbs to engage the front of the steps.
Also on that page is the MSI spring loaded casters.
On Sun, 15 Mar 2015 19:37:04 -0400, woodchucker
Yup. I'll have to wait until I build my step box and then figure out how much it weighs.
One more thing. These are awesome little step ladders. I remember them well. I am sure they are pricey, but they might already have the hand hold that you need to shimmy up.
On Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:10:44 -0400, woodchucker
There is one made exactly for my purpose. It's called a Para Ladder.
I emailed the company, but didn't get a response. In any event, it would be cheaper for me to build one suited to me. That means thick shag rug on the steps, width to my specifications and deeper steps.
I figure it can do double duty as ladder onto my bed when my cat gets too old to jump on the bed.
And, I'll be using this project as an excuse to by myself a Festool Carvex jigsaw. Leon needs his commission. :)
Well, one could easily adapt an auto 'air spring' adjustable suspension strut to lower a couple of wheels. Or, just mount a suitable auto helper spring/shock assembly with the right leverage on a pivoting pair of wheels (next to fixed legs). It'll look like it came from a truck undercarriage, of course. Strong design element!
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