Plastic bearing apparatus with split spanner bushing
OwnerThomas E. Denner, Michael Kiddinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bearing assembly having integral molded bearing surfaces. Each bearing surface is molded within its respective inner and outer race. The use of plastic injection molded parts enables high precision with low cost to achieve a reliably rotating caster wheel. The use of integral molded bearing surfaces within the respective races eliminates the problem of having to remove flash from the molding process or concern about indentations made by ejection pins if a separate bearing part were used. The use of a split spanner bushing with the openings of the inner race members permits the bearings to be more easily assembled as well provides greater strength and integrity to the bearing assembly once it is molded into a hub and wheel.
Claims15
A bearing assembly for a wheel having an axle comprising:
- two opposing inner race members, with each member having an outer edge and inner edge with the outer edge having a substantial larger diameter than the inner edge, and each of said inner race members having a corresponding inner race bearing surface and a central opening;
- two opposing outer race members, with each member having an outer edge and inner edge with the outer edge having a substantial larger diameter than the inner edge, and each of said outer race members having corresponding outer race bearing surfaces;
- such that when each inner race member is mated with its respective outer race member, and said central openings are aligned, a pair of bearing enclosures are provided;
- such that each outer race member encapsulates its correspond inner race members such that the bearing surfaces of each are aligned, said inner race members are able to rotate freely with respective to said outer race members, and said wheel is able to freely rotate on an axle positioned within the openings of said inner race members.
1. A bearing assembly for a wheel having an axle comprising:
- two opposing inner race members, with each member having an outer edge and inner edge with the outer edge having a substantial larger diameter than the inner edge, and each of said inner race members having a corresponding inner race bearing surface and a central opening;
- two opposing outer race members, with each member having an outer edge and inner edge with the outer edge having a substantial larger diameter than the inner edge, and each of said outer race members having corresponding outer race bearing surfaces;
- a split spanner bushing dimensioned to fit within said central openings of said opposing inner race members.
- such that when each inner race member is mated with its respective outer race member, having said central openings aligned and positioned onto said split spanner bushing, a pair of bearing enclosures are provided;
- such that each outer race member encapsulates its correspond inner race members such that the bearing surfaces of each are aligned, said inner race members are able to rotate freely with respective to said outer race members, and said wheel is able to freely rotate on an axle positioned within said split spanner bushing of said inner race members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.