Radial thrust bearing

A monolithically formed bearing for use with a rotatable shaft positioned within a supporting structure, the bearing comprising a bearing body having a first end and a second open end dimensioned to receive the rotatable shaft, an internal bore extending partially through the bearing body and defining a cylindrical bearing surface for receiving and supporting the rotatable shaft, the cylindrical bore being closed at the first end, an annular thrust collar projecting from the first end of the bearing body for engaging a corresponding first abutment surface defined within an interior cavity of the supporting structure, and an annular retention flange depending from a second end of the bearing body to retain the bearing body within the interior cavity of the supporting structure.

A monolithically formed bearing for use with a rotatable shaft positioned within a supporting structure, the bearing comprising a bearing body having a first end and a second open end dimensioned to receive the rotatable shaft and having an internal bore extending partially therethrough and defining a cylindrical bearing surface for receiving and supporting the rotatable shaft, an external bearing surface having a radially inwardly tapered leading edge positioned adjacent the second end of the bearing body for engaging a complementary first abutment surface defined within an interior cavity of the supporting structure, an annular thrust collar projecting beyond the leading edge of the external bearing surface for engaging a corresponding second abutment surface defined within the interior cavity of the supporting structure, and an annular retention flange positioned adjacent the second end of the bearing body projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the bearing body to retain the bearing body within the interior cavity of the supporting structure.

A monolithically formed bearing for use with a rotatable shaft positioned within a supporting structure, the bearing comprising a bearing body having a forward end and an open rear end dimensioned to receive the rotatable shaft, an internal bore extending partially through the bearing body and defining a cylindrical bearing surface for receiving and supporting the rotatable shaft, an external bearing surface having a radially inwardly tapered spherical leading edge adjacent the forward end of the bearing body for engaging a complementary first abutment surface defined within an interior cavity of the supporting structure, and an annular retention flange depending from the periphery of the bearing body adjacent the rear end thereof to retain the bearing body within the interior cavity of the supporting structure, the retention flange having a region of flexibility formed about a radially inner periphery thereof.