Patent ID: 6626575
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A spherical plain bearing with an enhanced spread lock dual sealing means comprising:A. an inner race member defining an inner race bearing surface extending externally therearound, said inner race bearing surface being generally spherically convex; B. an outer race member comprising: (1) an outer race body defining a bearing cavity means therein adapted to receive said inner race member movably positioned therewithin; (2) an outer race bearing surface defined within said bearing cavity means, said outer race bearing surface being generally spherically concave and positioned in abutment with and movable with respect to said inner race bearing surface of said inner race member responsive to positioning of said inner race member within said bearing cavity means of said outer race member, said outer race body defining a seal mounting groove means positioned adjacent said outer race bearing surface therebetween; C. a seal means positionable within said seal mounting groove means to retain lubrication between said inner race bearing surface of said inner race member and said outer race bearing surface of said outer race member and to minimize movement of contaminants therebetween, said seal means comprising: (1) a seal base member adapted to be positioned within said seal mounting groove means defined in said outer race body; (2) an outer lip means of flexibly resilient material attached to said seal base member and extending outwardly therefrom toward said inner race bearing surface and flexibly resiliently biased into abutment therewith, said outer lip means being oriented at an acute angle relative to said inner race bearing surface; and (3) an inner lip means of flexibly resilient material attached to said seal base member and extending outwardly therefrom toward said inner race bearing surface and resiliently biased into abutment therewith, said inner lip means being oriented at an acute angle relative to said inner race bearing surface, said inner lip means being oriented at an acute angle with respect to said outer lip means to maintain dual sealing against said inner race bearing surface to maintain lubrication therebetween and to facilitate seating of said seal base member within said seal mounting groove.