Roller bearing with knurled wear resistant exterior surface and method of manufacturing the same

A roller bearing assembly, comprising:

• a first roller bearing having a first common axis of rotation;
• a second roller bearing having a second common axis of rotation;
• each of the first and second roller bearing respectively comprising
• an outer ring having a substantially cylindrical internal bearing surface, an outside surface defining a plurality of protuberances configured to rollingly engage and grip a mating surface, a first end and a second end, a first shoulder extending radially inwardly from the first end and a second shoulder extending radially inwardly from the second end, the outer ring having a protective coating applied thereto,
• an inner ring coaxially disposed at least partially in the outer ring and having a substantially cylindrical external bearing surface and a bore extending therethrough,
• the external bearing surface and the internal bearing surface defining an annular cavity, the annular cavity extending radially between the external bearing surface and the internal bearing surface and laterally between the first and second radially inwardly projecting shoulders, and
• a plurality of rolling elements disposed in the annular cavity, the rolling elements being in rolling engagement with the external bearing surface and the internal bearing surface;
• a first shaft extending through and secured to the inner ring of the first bearing, the first shaft being coaxial with the first common axis of rotation;
• a second shaft extending through and secured to the inner ring of the second bearing, the second shaft being coaxial with the second common axis of rotation and substantially parallel to the first shaft;
• and
• a third shaft extending between the outer rings of the first and second roller bearings, the third shaft positioned substantially parallel to the first and second shafts, the third shaft defining a mating exterior surface and a mating surface axis of rotation, the mating surface axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the first and second common axis of rotation;
• the plurality of protuberances defined on the outside surface of the outer ring of the first and second roller bearings are operable to rollingly engage the mating exterior surface rotating about the mating surface axis of rotation;
• and
• the plurality of protuberances defined on the outside surface of the outer ring of the first and second roller bearings are operable to grip the mating exterior surface being translated along the mating surface axis of rotation.

A method of manufacturing a roller bearing, comprising the steps of:

• providing an outer ring having an axis of rotation, a substantially cylindrical internal bearing surface and an outside surface;
• carburizing the outer ring;
• knurling the outside surface of the outer ring forming a plurality of protuberances therein that are configured to rollingly engage and grip a mating surface of a shaft, operable to rollingly engage the mating surface rotating about a mating surface axis of rotation substantially parallel to the outer ring axis of rotation, and operable to grip the mating surface being translated along the mating surface axis of rotation;
• plating the outer ring with chrome.