Patent ID: 6238096
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A press-alignable bearing assembly for being pressed into and mounted within a substantially circular opening of a predetermined diameter formed in a sheet of material, said bearing assembly comprising:a retainer formed with a generally cylindrical body portion having a predetermined length, a longitudinal axis, an inner surface, an outer surface, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion;said outer surface of said retainer being tapered along at least a portion of its length to establish an outer diameter at said distal end portion of said body that is less than the predetermined diameter of the opening formed in the sheet material into which said bearing assembly is to be pressed;said proximal end portion of said retainer having an outer diameter that is no less than the predetermined diameter of the opening formed in the sheet material to establish an interference fit between said proximal end portion of said retainer and the opening as said retainer is pressed into the opening;a generally annular head terminating and projecting radially outwardly from said proximal end portion of said retainer for abutting the sheet material in a region surrounding the opening formed therein when said retainer is pressed into the opening;a bearing having an axis;a bearing sleeve having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface sized to be received in said retainer and a substantially cylindrical inner surface having a diameter that is predetermined to receive and secure said bearing with an interference fit when said bearing is pressed into said bearing sleeve; andmeans for mounting said bearing sleeve in said retainer for limited rocking movement of said bearing sleeve within said retainer to provide for self-alignment of a bearing mounted in said bearing sleeve when a shaft is inserted through said bearing.