Patent ID: 6485181
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A bearing assembly comprising:a first member having a bearing surface and capable of being connected to an external structure; a second member having a bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface of said second member faces and is located substantially adjacent to the bearing surface of said first member, and wherein at least one of said first and second members is rotatable relative to the other of said members; a third member located whereby said second member is between said first and third members, and wherein said third member is capable of being connected to an external structure; and a spring structure that acts to continually urge said first and second members together while also being operatively connected to said third member whereby when said spring structure is in a first condition of compression, it causes said third member to be spaced from said second member by a first distance, and wherein when said spring structure is in a predetermined second condition of compression that is greater than said first condition of compression, said first distance is reduced and said spring structure and said second and third members become non-rotatably engaged to each other.