Bearing for partially spherical component and method of making and using the same

A joint assembly comprising:

• an at least partially spherical component;
• and
• a bearing comprising:
• a first portion and a complementary second portion integral with the first portion at least partially surrounding the component, the first portion and the second portion each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first portion and the second portion are joined by a folded-over elastic bridge portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are adapted to at least partially surround and provide a compressive spring force via the bridge portion against the component to form a joint assembly allowing for rotation of the component, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a semispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the substrate.

A mounting system for an at least partially spherical component comprising:

• a base;
• and
• a bearing comprising:
• a first portion and a complementary second portion integral with the first portion at least partially surrounding the component, the first portion and the second portion each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first portion and the second portion are joined by a folded-over elastic bridge portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are adapted to at least partially surround and provide a compressive spring force via the bridge portion against the component to form a joint assembly allowing for rotation of the component, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a semispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the bearing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is operatively connected to the base to form a cantilever.